What are Labral Tears?
The labrum is a cup shaped cartilage that lines and reinforces the shoulder ball and socket. It helps keep your shoulder in place. It also is an attachment site for various shoulder ligaments and muscle tendons.
When torn it can lead to partial or even full shoulder dislocations. The Three Types of Labral Tears:
- SLAP Tear. A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear occurs in the top of the labrum, extending to the front to the back of the labrum. This area is also where the biceps tendon attaches, which generally is damaged in the process as well. The overhead athlete population, such as baseball and volleyball players and weightlifters, are at the highest risk of this type of tear as they engage in repetitive high velocity movements.
- Bankart Tear. This type of tear occurs in the front/lower aspect of the labrum . Generally occurs in younger individuals due to a dislocation of the shoulder joint, which then pulls on the lower aspect of the labrum resulting in a tear.
- Posterior Tear (Reverse Bankart). This type of tear occurs in the posterior (back) aspect of the labrum. Generally occurs when an individual falls onto an outstretched arm or a direct blow/trauma to the shoulder joint, causing stress and damage to the back aspect of the labrum.
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain
- Instability
- Range of motion loss
- Loss of strength
- Clicking, grinding, catching or popping sensation in the shoulder
Labral Tear Specialists in the Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a labral tear please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.
