When healthy, the shoulders are the body’s most mobile and versatile joints, allowing us to perform an endless number of tasks with our arms. A torn shoulder labrum can therefore be a major inconvenience every day, interfering with work, school, household chores, recreation, sports, and beyond. Luckily, even if the damage to the shoulder is complex and slow to heal, there are solutions that can speed up recovery significantly. Physical therapy offers pain relief and restoration of physical ability during the healing process of a labrum injury.
At JAG Physical Therapy, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania’s top PT source, our compassionate and skilled therapists have a great deal of experience helping patients rehabilitate injured shoulders. We treat shoulder labrum damage using the most advanced available methods at our state-of-the art and conveniently located clinics. Schedule an appointment now to get started or view more on shoulder labrum PT below.
What is the Shoulder Labrum and Why Is It Important?
The shoulder labrum, or glenoid ligament, is a tiny piece of tissue with a big job. The shoulder joint articulates the head of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) with a structure on the scapula (shoulder blade) called the glenoid cavity. This is a shallow depression that allows for extremely free movement, but does not create a secure fit. Instead, what holds the joint together is the labrum wrapping around the outer side, on the glenoid cavity’s rim. It is because of this small quantity of fibrocartilaginous material that our shoulders have strength and stability, and indeed can move without being dislocated. This means that if the labrum is injured with a full or partial tear, movement of the shoulder, and therefore of the entire arm, is compromised.
What Causes Shoulder Labrum Injuries?
Athletes are the group most at risk for an injury to the shoulder labrum, as one common cause is repetitive motion. Specifically, vigorous overhead arm movement over time – such as swimming strokes or throwing a football – puts enough force on the labrum that it can simply fail after “one too many”. Physical trauma can also cause the shoulder labrum to tear. In an automobile accident, for example, the kinetic energy of the crash into the side of the body can dislocate the shoulder and often also damage the labrum. Some older people may also encounter issues with the glenoid labrum due to degeneration from wear and tear over time.
The symptoms of shoulder labrum injuries can be merely uncomfortable or very painful, but they always interfere with everyday life. The most distinctive sign is a catching, clicking, or popping sensation when extending the shoulder joint too far. This is accompanied by limited range of motion, and often muscle weakness and shooting pain when attempting to move the affected arm upwards. Left untreated, this is an injury that can put you out of commission for many daily tasks for a long period of time.
How Does Physical Therapy Support Recovery from a Shoulder Labrum Injury?
As with other injuries, physical therapy has specific techniques to address a torn shoulder labrum. Targeted exercises for issues with the glenoid labrum usually focus on strengthening the muscles that also support the shoulder joint, in order to ease the burden on the labrum. This means working on the flexibility of the rotator cuff and building up the deltoids, pectorals, and latissimus dorsi. In general, physical therapists will also advise about general range-of-motion exercise for the arm to gradually increase mobility.
PT is overall non-invasive and gentle on the musculoskeletal system – for less extensive shoulder labrum injuries, it can help patients avoid surgery altogether. And for those who have more severe injuries and require an operation, pre- and post-op physical therapy can make the rehabilitation process faster, easier, and better.
What Exercises and Techniques Are Used in Shoulder Labrum Rehabilitation?
The methods used in PT for cases of shoulder labrum damage can differ depending on the extent of the patient’s injury and the degree of their recovery. However, in general, a physical therapist will start with manual therapy, including medical massage and assisted joint mobilization where possible. As the patient heals sufficiently to exercise daily, their routine may include resistance band strengthening and scapular stabilization movements. And athletes in particular will likely be recommended functional movement training for the affected shoulder.
How Can I Protect My Shoulder During Recovery?
The key to keeping your shoulder in good condition for healing after a labrum injury is being mindful not only of what activities you should avoid, but also the movements you can proactively perform. Until you’re cleared, you must refrain from heavy lifting and reaching overhead, whether in an athletic or exercise context or just at home (getting something off a shelf, for example). Your posture and ergonomics will be crucial to managing your day-to-day activities as you recover – if only one side is affected by the injury, use the other arm to the best of your ability. Keep your shoulders back and engage your upper core when needed.
Your home exercise plan from your physical therapist is essential to your rehabilitation. Follow it consistently and don’t try to exercise more than necessary until you’ve been cleared. Above all, listen to your body – discomfort means it’s time to slow down, stop, or change up what you’re doing. Musculoskeletal healing always takes patience, but if you keep up with the routines that you are supposed to, you will likely see improvement at a good pace.
JAG Physical Therapy Helps You Regain Shoulder Strength
If you’ve injured your shoulder labrum, it’s important to work with a physical therapist with the resources to best enable your rehabilitation. At JAG PT, our skilled and compassionate therapists will use all the tools at their disposal to create an individualized plan that fits you and your lifestyle. We have over 160 convenient locations across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and utilizing the most advanced shoulder treatment modalities. Book your appointment now to get started with better, pain-free shoulder functioning.