How long does physiotherapy take to work for shoulder labral tear?

The labrum helps deepen the shoulder socket and supports stability. Symptoms and recovery differ according to the tear location, how it happened, associated instability, and whether treatment is non-surgical or follows an operation. Early rehabilitation may limit certain ranges while pain settles; later stages rebuild strength and coordination.

A useful review looks at reaching, dressing, sleep, strength and the feeling of catching or slipping. Progress can be uneven, particularly when a specific task repeatedly loads the injured position.

Follow the movement restrictions supplied by your surgeon or clinician, especially after surgery. Perform the home programme with steady technique, and avoid heavy lifting, forceful pulling or throwing until these are cleared. Tell the team about catching, locking, clicking with pain, or a sense that the shoulder is unstable.

The programme can be tailored as control improves for work, gym or sport. Read more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent assessment after a new injury with severe pain, visible deformity, major weakness, new numbness or a hand that becomes cold or unusually pale. Contact your clinician if pain or catching is worsening, the shoulder repeatedly slips, or progress has stalled at the scheduled review.

Ask which part of the labrum is involved, which movements need protection, and what signs show that strengthening can progress. Ask when driving, work, resistance training, swimming or throwing may be resumed.