Shoulder
Shoulder Labral Tear (including SLAP)
Also called: Torn labrum
A tear of the cartilage rim deepening the shoulder socket — at the top where the biceps anchors (SLAP; throwers, pullers, falls) or lower (instability-related). Like other labra: common on MRI in pain-free overhead athletes, so the exam and story decide whether the finding is the culprit.
Common signs
- Deep shoulder pain with clicking or clunking
- Pain in the loaded cocking position (throwers) or overhead reach
- Aching after activity deep in the joint
- Sense of catching with rotation
Seek help now if
- True locking of the joint
- Instability episodes (see the instability entry)
- Night pain with systemic symptoms
Any of these: call 911 or get to an emergency room first. Everything else can wait.
What to do first
- Exam first, imaging second — the tear must match the presentation
- Begin a rehab block: cuff strength, scapular control, posterior capsule mobility, and (for throwers) mechanics review
- Modify the provocative arc while capacity is rebuilt
If it's become chronic
- Most SLAP presentations, especially over 30, succeed with 3 months of quality rehab
- Refractory mechanical symptoms in the right candidate: MR arthrogram and surgical consult — with realistic expectations discussions (overhead athletes' return rates vary)
- Throwers invest permanently in shoulder care: rotation range maintenance, cuff loading, workload sense
Natural healing options we use
- Progressive cuff and scapular programming
- Manual therapy including posterior capsule work
- Chiropractic care for thoracic and shoulder-girdle mechanics
- Throwing-mechanics and workload consultation for athletes
About imaging
MR arthrogram is the labrum's test — ordered when results would change the path.
Daily self-care
- Posterior-shoulder mobility (cross-body, sleeper variants) as prescribed
- Cuff work as a permanent habit
- Workload honesty: innings/attempts counted, spikes avoided
More in Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & ImpingementRotator Cuff TearFrozen ShoulderAC Joint SprainShoulder Instability & DislocationBiceps TendinopathyShoulder OsteoarthritisScapular Dyskinesis
Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.