What are the treatment options for shoulder labral tear?

The labrum is a rim of firm tissue around the shoulder socket. It helps deepen the socket and supports the ball-and-socket joint. A tear can cause catching, clicking, pain with overhead movement or a feeling that the shoulder may slip. The exact location and type of tear matter; a SLAP tear and a Bankart lesion can lead to different treatment discussions.

A clinician may begin with relative rest from painful lifting, throwing or overhead activity, together with an individual pain-management plan. Physiotherapy can work on shoulder-blade control, rotator-cuff strength, flexibility and a gradual return to useful movement. If the shoulder repeatedly feels unstable, the tear is associated with an injury, or rehabilitation does not restore function, an orthopaedic specialist may discuss arthroscopic labral repair. Surgery may involve reattaching the labrum with small anchors, followed by protected movement and staged rehabilitation.

Arrange an assessment if shoulder pain, catching or weakness continues, limits sleep or work, or follows a fall, forceful pull or sports injury. Seek urgent care after a major injury if the shoulder looks out of place, the arm is numb or unusually cold, or you cannot move it. Prompt review is also sensible when repeated slipping episodes make ordinary activities feel unsafe.

Ask which part of the labrum is involved, whether the shoulder is unstable, what rehabilitation should avoid, and what improvement would justify considering surgery. Ask how recovery affects driving, work, sport and sleeping positions.