Labral Tears
Definition
When the shoulder socket becomes injured or torn, it is described as a labral tear. These tears may be classified based on the location of the tear.
Mechanism of Injury:
A Bankhart tear is a tear in the labrum located in the front, lower (anterior, inferior) part of the shoulder socket. This type of tear occurs most commonly during a shoulder dislocation. A Bankhart tear makes the shoulder more prone to recurrent dislocations.
A SLAP tear is a tear in the labrum that covers the top part of the shoulder socket from front to back (Superior Labral tear from Anterior to Posterior). A SLAP tear occurs at the point where the long head of biceps tendon attaches. This type of tear occurs most commonly during falls on an outstretched arm.
A labral tear may also develop gradually over time due to overuse of the shoulder.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a labral tear may include a clicking or catching sensation in the shoulder during certain movements and/or a vague pain in the front or top of the shoulder. In some cases a labral tear may not cause any pain.
Physical Therapy Intervention
Rec Center Physical Therapy can be the first line of defense for those suffering from a labral tear. Most times, treatment will begin with a conservative approach such as physical therapy. A program of stretching and strengthening exercises, icing, pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications may be used to help decrease pain and improve function of the shoulder. Doctors and physical therapists who deal with people who have labral tears can help outline an individualized treatment program.