When is physiotherapy recommended for a shoulder labral tear?

The labrum is a rim of tissue that helps deepen the shoulder socket and support the ball-and-socket joint. A tear may cause pain with reaching, clicking, catching, weakness, or a feeling that the shoulder is unstable. Rehabilitation does not repair every tear, but it can improve control around the joint and help you use the arm with less irritation.

An assessment can identify which movements provoke symptoms and whether the shoulder is unstable. A programme may begin with comfortable range-of-motion work, then progress to rotator-cuff and shoulder-blade strengthening, posture, and activity changes. Follow the prescribed load rather than testing the shoulder repeatedly with painful overhead or throwing movements. You can read more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Arrange prompt medical review for a shoulder that looks out of place, sudden major weakness, new numbness, or severe pain after an injury. Contact your clinician if instability, locking, or pain continues despite following rehabilitation, because the diagnosis and treatment plan may need reassessment.

Ask whether the tear appears stable, which activities should be paused, how progress will be measured, and what findings would make an orthopaedic review or surgery discussion appropriate.