Shoulder Labrum & SLAP tear Treatment in NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
What Is a Shoulder Labrum Tear?
A shoulder labrum tear involves damage to the ring of cartilage that lines the edge of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This tissue helps stabilize the joint by keeping the head of the upper arm bone securely in place. When the labrum is torn, people often experience pain, weakness, or a sense that the shoulder is less stable than usual.
One of the most common types of labral injuries is the SLAP tear — short for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. It affects the upper portion of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches, and the tear can extend from the front to the back of the joint. These tears can range from mild fraying to complete separation of the labrum from the bone. Without proper care, even small tears may gradually worsen and lead to persistent discomfort or instability.
What Causes a Labrum or SLAP Tear?
Labrum injuries can develop from sudden trauma, repetitive strain, or natural tissue changes over time. In an active community like Clifton — where people balance work, fitness, and daily responsibilities — it’s common to see shoulder injuries linked to a combination of these factors.
Common causes include:
Repetitive overhead activity: Sports like swimming, tennis, or baseball, and exercises such as overhead presses, place consistent stress on the labrum.
Acute injury: Falls, direct shoulder impacts, or forceful twisting motions can tear the labrum suddenly.
Age-related changes: With age, the labrum gradually becomes less elastic, making it more vulnerable to fraying and tearing.
Although athletes are often affected, anyone who performs repetitive upper-body tasks — including office workers with poor posture — can develop this type of injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a SLAP Tear?
Labrum tears don’t always cause constant pain. Instead, many people notice symptoms only during certain movements or activities, which can make early diagnosis difficult.
Typical symptoms include:
Aching or sharp pain deep within the shoulder
A catching, locking, or slipping sensation
A feeling that the shoulder may shift or “give out”
Reduced range of motion
Weakness during lifting or throwing
Clicking, popping, or grinding with rotation
How Is a Labrum Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a labrum tear is challenging because the cartilage sits deep within the shoulder. Physical examination tests can offer clues, but they’re not consistently reliable since different tears respond to different tests. Imaging is often needed when a tear is suspected.
MRI scans and CT-arthrograms are the most common imaging options and can identify many labrum tears related to subluxation or dislocation. However, their accuracy is only about 80–85%, and they often miss small tears or fail to clearly show SLAP lesions.
If an MRI clearly detects a tear, it is usually accurate — but a normal scan doesn’t rule out damage.
The most definitive way to diagnose a labrum tear is shoulder arthroscopy, where a surgeon directly views the joint. Although this method is precise, it requires anesthesia and surgical expertise. Even then, determining whether a tear is the true source of symptoms can be complex, and not all tears need surgical repair.
How Is a SLAP Tear Treated Without Surgery?
Many people recover fully from a SLAP tear with non-surgical care. The goal is to reduce inflammation, restore shoulder stability, and correct movement patterns that might have contributed to the injury.
Conservative treatments may include:
Bullet List 1· Short-term rest and activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid injections (when appropriate)
A customized physical therapy program focused on posture, mobility, and shoulder stability
Exercises That May Support a Shoulder Labral Tear
After a confirmed labrum tear, many providers recommend a combination of physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. However, doing targeted exercises beforehand can help improve shoulder strength, support recovery, and in some cases reduce the likelihood of needing surgery.
Below are seven exercises commonly used to build stability and improve shoulder mechanics:
1. Wall Stretch
Stand about six inches from a wall.
Place your hands on the wall above shoulder height.
Lean your body forward as you slowly walk your hands upward.
Hold the stretch for 20 seconds.
Repeat three times.
2. Lateral Raise
Stand with your arms resting at your sides.
Using a light weight (1–5 lbs if tolerated), lift your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder level.
Hold for five seconds, then lower with control.
Complete 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.
3. Side-Lying Shoulder Flexion
Bullet List 1· Lie on your side with the injured shoulder facing upward.
Keep your hips and knees slightly bent.
With a light weight if comfortable, lift your arm from your side toward the ceiling.
Pause at roughly a 45° angle for five seconds before lowering.
Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.
4. Diagonal External Rotation (Band)
Bullet List 1· Attach a resistance band at knee height.
Stand sideways so the injured shoulder is farthest from the anchor.
Reach across your body, then pull the band upward and outward until it rises above your shoulder.
Hold for five seconds, then return to the starting position.
Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.
5. External Rotation at 90° (Band)
Bullet List 1· Secure a resistance band at shoulder height.
Stand facing the anchor point.
Pull the band up and forward, rotating your arm outward as you extend.
Hold for five seconds and return slowly.
Complete 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.
6. Cross-Body Stretch
Bullet List 1· Lie on your side with the injured shoulder closer to the ground.
Extend the lower arm straight out from your body.
Use your opposite hand to grasp your elbow and gently pull upward.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Repeat twice.
7. Prone Row to External Rotation
Lie face-down on a couch or bed with your arm hanging off the side.
Using a light weight if tolerated, pull your arm upward to your side and hold for five seconds.
Rotate your shoulder outward as you raise your hand toward the ceiling for another five seconds.
Lower your arm slowly back down.
Perform 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions.
Source: WebMD
How Physical Therapy Helps SLAP Tear Rehabilitation
Several case series have shown that patients with SLAP tears can improve significantly with a non-surgical approach. For instance, a study of 371 patients who underwent a conservative treatment program—including scapular stabilization exercises and stretching of the posterior capsule—reported significant improvements in pain, shoulder function (ASES score), and quality of life over a 3-year follow-up. This suggests that structured physical therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms, even when surgery is an option.
A systematic review on nonsurgical treatment of SLAP lesions in athletes found that many are able to return to play. Although return-to-play (RTP) rates vary, this evidence supports the idea that physical therapy alone can restore sufficient function for many active individuals.
Real Patient Experiences
“Absolutely do your physical therapy and take things slow. The first 6 weeks were miserable, but after that the pain was a lot more manageable. I did physical therapy for a little over 3 months after the surgery. Once a week but did the exercises at home as much as my PT had prescribed.”
Read more on Reddit
“I had a SLAP tear repaired on my non-dominant shoulder four years ago. I was allowed to sleep out of the sling after a week, and the sling came off after 2-3 weeks. By week 6 I was well into PT.”
Read more on AR15 Forum
“It was probably closer to nine months than three months for mine before it felt totally normal, but after three or four months I shoot my bow. ++physical therapy”
Read more on ROKSlide
Call us at (973)-241-1338 to book your appointment today.
What others are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
