Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Louisville, KY

A labral tear is a common shoulder injury that affects the labrum, a rim of fibrous cartilage that holds the end of the upper arm bone (humerus) firmly in its socket. The labrum can tear suddenly if direct force is applied to the shoulder while the arm is fully extended. It can also tear gradually through repetitive overhead arm movements, such as those involved in lifting weights, serving a tennis ball, or pitching a baseball.

It is important to get to the bottom of any type of shoulder pain. The renowned team at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky, includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons who specialize in evaluating and treating a full spectrum of painful shoulder conditions. You can feel confident turning to us for a diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have a labral tear.

What Does a Shoulder Labral Tear Feel Like?

In addition to a deep ache near the back of the shoulder, a labral tear can cause:

• Pain that intensifies when the arm is raised overhead
• A feeling of looseness or instability in the shoulder joint
• A popping, clicking, or grinding sensation in the shoulder (crepitus)
• Arm muscle weakness
• A noticeable decline in sports performance, such as a reduction in pitch speed

How Is a Shoulder Labral Tear Treated?

In many cases, a labral tear can be treated conservatively. Some potentially effective options include:

• Temporarily avoiding overhead arm movements to prevent further damage
• Applying an ice pack and taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as needed to reduce painful swelling
• Performing targeted stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder

After a brief period of rest and rehabilitation, a progressive physical therapy program can facilitate a gradual but full return to sports activities. However, if the symptoms of a shoulder labral tear do not improve with several weeks of non-surgical treatment, surgical repair may be considered. In some cases, a torn labrum can be repaired arthroscopically. During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon accesses the shoulder joint through tiny incisions and uses specialized surgical instruments to reattach the torn edges of the labrum.

If you would like to set up a consultation with a shoulder specialist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic in Louisville, KY, contact us today.