Providing cushion to the shoulder and helping to maintain fluid movement in the joint, the labrum is an important piece of supportive cartilage. Thus, damage to the labrum can result in reduced shoulder stability/functionality. Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior injury, or SLAP injury, involves both the front and back parts of the labrum. It is one of the most common labrum issues. Let’s review some possible indicators that you may have sustained a SLAP tear.
SLAP Injury Symptoms to Watch For
There are numerous potential causes of a SLAP tear, ranging from overuse to acute injury to aging-related wear and tear. Engaging in activities that require repetitive overhead motion – such as baseball, weight lifting or swimming – is often linked to SLAP injury. This shoulder problem can also result from a fall or a car accident, or develop as the labrum weakens later in life.
Regardless of the cause, SLAP tear symptoms might include:
- – A sharp or dull aching pain felt deep in the affected shoulder
- – Shoulder pain upon raising your arm, lifting, reaching overhead or throwing
- – A grinding/popping/clicking sensation when moving the shoulder
- – Reduced range of motion in the shoulder
To help relieve these symptoms and promote healing of the labrum, an orthopedic expert may suggest resting the shoulder, taking medication to reduce pain & swelling and/or performing physical therapy exercises.
If conservative, nonsurgical treatment methods fail to solve the issue, arthroscopic labral repair – a minimally invasive procedure in which torn tissues are reattached – may be the next step in treatment. When considering this procedure, it’s important to be under the care of an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Stephen Soffer, who can properly diagnose your condition and provide whatever level of treatment is needed to help you make a full recovery.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Shoulder Issue with Dr. Soffer
Trusted by patients throughout Berks County and the surrounding area, Dr. Soffer excels in performing minimally invasive labrum tear surgery, as well as in evaluating and advising patients on nonsurgical options. He has undertaken extensive orthopedic training, including a sports medicine fellowship with renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. For attentive, individualized orthopedic care, call our office at 610-375-4949 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer.
