Labral Tear of the Shoulder

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 30 March 2022

(Also known as a Shoulder Labrum Tear, SLAP Lesion, SLAP Tear, Glenoid Labral Tear)

What is a labral tear of the shoulder?

A labral tear of the shoulder is a condition characterized by tearing of the cartilage tissue within the shoulder joint known as the labrum.

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint – the ball arising from the top of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade) giving rise to the socket. The relative depth of the socket of the shoulder joint is increased by cartilage, known as the labrum, which attaches to the rim of the shoulder joint (figures 1 & 2). This cartilage helps improve the congruency of the bones (i.e. improved ‘fit’) and, therefore, aids shoulder stability.

The labrum also aids shock absorption, cushioning the impact of the humerus on the scapula during upper limb weight bearing. Normally the surface of the labrum is very smooth allowing easy movement of the humerus on the scapula. Occasionally, however, the labrum can be torn or damaged so that the surface is no longer smooth. When this occurs, the condition is known as a labral tear of the shoulder.

Causes of a labral tear of the shoulder

A labral tear of the shoulder typically occurs suddenly due to a high force going through the labrum beyond what it can withstand. This may be due to heavy or awkward lifting, a fall onto an outstretched hand, point of the shoulder or an elbow, during heavy pushing or pulling, or a forceful throw. A labral tear also commonly occurs in association with a dislocated shoulder.

Occasionally, a labral tear of the shoulder may develop over time due to gradual wear and tear associated with overuse. This may cause gradual degeneration and weakening of the labrum predisposing it to further injury. These labral tears of the shoulder typically occur due to repetitive or prolonged weight bearing activities (including lying on the affected shoulder), lifting or overhead activities and are most common in the older population. In athletes, labral tears are commonly seen in throwing sports (such as cricket or baseball), swimming, racquet sports (such as tennis) or weight lifting.

Signs and symptoms of a labral tear of the shoulder

Patients with a labral tear of the shoulder may report that, at the time of injury, they heard an audible sound, experienced a tearing sensation or felt the shoulder joint move out of place.

Pain is usually felt in the front, back or side of the shoulder and may radiate into the upper arm (often the biceps), or less commonly, the upper back or neck. Symptoms may increase with certain, often quite specific, movements of the upper limb, such as arm elevation and lifting (especially overhead), weight bearing activities through the upper limb (such as push-ups or dips), or pushing and pulling movements of the shoulder (particularly when combined with rotation). Patients may also experience pain when lying on the affected shoulder, or, during certain sporting activities, such as throwing, serving in tennis or butterfly stroke in swimming.

Patients with a minor labral tear of the shoulder may experience little or no immediate symptoms. In these cases, symptoms may develop gradually over time, typically with an increase in use of the shoulder and arm. Sometimes patients may be able to continue sport or activity only to have an increase in pain upon resting later (particularly that night or the following morning). In more severe cases, there may be significant restriction in shoulder range of movement and severe pain preventing further activity. Intermittent locking, clicking sensations, episodes of giving way or sudden weakness of the shoulder, may also be present.

Diagnosis of a labral tear of the shoulder

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is important in identifying the likelihood of a labral tear of the shoulder. MRI investigation is often used to confirm diagnosis, assess the severity of injury and (along with other investigations, such as an X-ray and ultrasound) exclude the presence of other injuries in the shoulder. In rare cases, where an MRI has proven inconclusive, an investigative arthroscope may be performed to assist diagnosis.

Treatment for a labral tear of the shoulder

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Surgery for a labral tear of the shoulder

Generally, most patients with a significant labral tear of the shoulder will require surgery to ensure an optimal outcome. Surgery for labral tears is generally minimally invasive, involving arthroscopy (‘key hole surgery’). During this procedure, the surgeon either removes or repairs the torn tissue enabling the shoulder joint to move freely once again. In cases of a large labral tear with bony damage, surgical fixation of the bony fragment and labrum may be indicated. The treating physiotherapist and doctor will refer to a specialist if surgery may be indicated. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation is then required following surgery to ensure an optimal outcome and enable a safe return to sport or activity.

Prognosis of a labral tear of the shoulder

Those patients with a minor labral tear of the shoulder that responds well to conservative management can usually return to sport or activity in approximately 2 – 8 weeks.

For minor tears that are managed surgically, patients can sometimes return to sport or activity within 4 – 12 weeks, although most patients (especially when the tear is moderate to severe) will require a significantly longer rehabilitation period (usually between 3-12 months).

It is important that patients with a labral tear of the shoulder are managed appropriately, as inappropriate treatment may lead to the development of early shoulder osteoarthritis.

Contributing factors to the development of a labral tear of the shoulder

There are several factors which can predispose patients to developing a labral tear of the shoulder. These need to be assessed and corrected with direction from a physiotherapist. Some of these factors include:

• abnormal biomechanics (eg. poor throwing technique or stroke technique with swimming)
• muscle tightness or imbalances
• neck, upper back and shoulder stiffness
• muscle weakness (especially the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles)
• poor posture
• excessive or inappropriate training or activity
• inadequate rest periods from training or activity
• inadequate warm-up
• poor core stability

Physiotherapy for a labral tear of the shoulder

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Other intervention for a labral tear of the shoulder

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with a labral tear of the shoulder fail to improve adequately either conservatively or following surgery. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may include further investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans, pharmaceutical intervention, corticosteroid injection, hydrodilatation, or further surgery.

Exercises for a labral tear of the shoulder

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with a labral tear of the shoulder. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate, advanced and other exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Initial Exercises

Shoulder Blade Squeezes

Begin sitting or standing tall with your back straight (figure 3). Your chin should be tucked in slightly and your shoulder blades should be back slightly. Slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together as hard and far as possible provided it does not cause or increase symptoms. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.

Pendular Exercises

Begin this exercise by leaning forwards with the forearm of your uninjured arm supported on a table or bench (figure 4). Keeping your back straight and your shoulder relaxed, gently swing your affected arm forwards and backwards as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel either nothing, or, no more than a mild to moderate stretch. Repeat 10 times provided the exercise does not cause or increase symptoms. Repeat the exercise swinging your arm side to side provided it is pain free.

Pendular Circles

Begin this exercise by leaning forwards with the forearm of your uninjured arm supported on a table or bench (figure 5). Keeping your back straight and your shoulder relaxed, gently swing your affected arm in circles clockwise as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel either nothing, or, no more than a mild to moderate stretch. Repeat the exercise swinging your arm counter clockwise Repeat 10 times in each direction provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Other Exercises

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Rehabilitation protocol for a labral tear of the shoulder

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Physiotherapy products for a labral tear of the shoulder

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with a labral tear of the shoulder include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for a labral tear of the shoulder click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

Other Exercises

• Shoulder Stretches
• Shoulder Strengthening Exercises
• Scapula Stability Exercises.
• Rotator Cuff Strengthening Exercises.
• Neck Stretches
• Postural Exercises
• Arm Strengthening Exercises.
• Upper Body Machine Weights.
• Cable Exercises (Back & Biceps)
• Cable Exercises (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps).
• Free Weights (Back & Biceps).
• Free Weights (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps).

Recommended Reading

• Shoulder Taping
• Postural Taping.
• Posture.
• Ice or Heat.
• The R.I.C.E. Regime.
• Injury Prevention.
• Investigations
• Understanding Pain
• Returning to Sport.
• Warming up and Cooling Down
• Shoulder Diagnosis Guide.

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