Slapped With Shoulder Pain?

A shoulder is more than something to lean on. The joint is crucial for many of the daily tasks most people take for granted, such as lifting objects, climbing ladders, and overall upper body function. The shoulder is also a vital joint in sports like football, baseball, tennis, and golf. Whatever an individual’s use of the shoulder, injuries are a potential risk, especially with age. Because of the shoulder’s complexity, injuries like a superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear can limit function. A SLAP tear can heal non-surgically, but most cases require surgery to regain all the benefits of the joint with minimal pain.

Understanding your shoulder and SLAP tears

The shoulder joint consists of a ball and socket joint that connects the humerus, or upper arm bone, to the shoulder blade. The glenohumeral joint connects to the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade but is stabilized by the labrum. A SLAP tear occurs when this ring of cartilage is torn, inflamed, or damaged. Overuse injuries, often by athletes due to repetitive overhead motions, are the most common cause of SLAP tears. SLAP tears can also occur from natural degeneration due to aging. Falls, accidents, and collisions that damage or dislocate the shoulder are other possible causes.

Don’t ignore these symptoms

Multiple muscles, tendons, and ligaments for maximum strength and stability support the shoulder. Therefore, overlooking SLAP tears as general pain and soreness is quite common. Some different signs and symptoms point to a SLAP tear. These include intense pain with overhead activities, reduced range of motion (ROM), or popping sensations in the shoulder. Some individuals may notice weakness, instability, and difficulty lifting objects overhead. These are all signs to see a doctor or shoulder specialist immediately. The doctor can perform a series of tests, diagnose the SLAP tear, and construct a feasible treatment plan.

Can SLAP tears heal naturally?

Some SLAP tears can heal without surgery. However, there are several factors to consider. Through imaging, the medical team can determine the location and severity of the tear. A minor tear caught early can benefit from natural healing. Time, rest, and bracing the shoulder can help with healing. Furthermore, combining physical therapy (PT) with icing and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can improve the body’s natural healing abilities. The patient’s age and activity level also affect natural healing. Younger athletes are the best candidates for a natural recovery as the body responds to these non-surgical options more effectively.

When to consider surgery

Surgery is recommended for individuals who try conservative treatment without success. The therapy occurs over several weeks or months, but an individual still feels pain and reduced ROM. Surgery is also the ideal option for severe SLAP tears. Larger tears or a complete detachment of the labrum will not respond to conservative treatment. Some tears can lead to severe instability, which can benefit from surgery. While younger adults can heal naturally, some want surgery to speed up the healing process to return to activities like sports.

Minimal means better

Surgery sounds like a severe and complicated process. While shoulder procedures should not be taken lightly, the emergence of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has some fantastic benefits. With MIS, the surgeon uses small incisions like buttonholes to access the damaged labrum. Additional surgical tools can repair the shoulder. With MIS, patients experience faster healing, more minor scars, and fewer complications. The shoulder can fully recover with MIS and PT within a few months.

Get your SLAP tear sorted

Relieving shoulder pain naturally is possible with patience and conservative treatment. The decision ultimately lies with the patient to have surgery for a SLAP tear. The severity of injury and circumstances surrounding the SLAP tear play a role in surgery. Take all these factors into consideration and speak with a surgeon. Both surgeon and patient discuss all these factors, as well as medical history, to determine the best course of action for long-term shoulder health.