Shoulder Labral Tear – Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis & Recovery with Physio

Written By Andrew Adel Ishak

What is a Labral Tear?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilises the shoulder socket. A labral tear can occur due to trauma, overuse, or degeneration, leading to pain and instability in the joint.

Common Causes:

  • Shoulder dislocation or subluxation

  • Repetitive overhead activity (swimming, throwing)

  • Lifting heavy objects with poor control

  • Age-related wear and tear

Symptoms of a Labral Tear:

  • Deep shoulder pain or aching

  • Clicking, catching, or locking sensation

  • Weakness or loss of strength

  • Feeling of instability or looseness

Types of Labral Tears:

  • SLAP Tear – Superior labrum from front to back

  • Bankart Lesion – Often associated with dislocations

Can Physiotherapy Help?

Yes! Many labral tears respond well to conservative treatment. At Brighton Physiotherapy Clinic, we focus on:

✅ Strengthening shoulder stabilisers
✅ Scapular control and biomechanics
✅ Pain management strategies
✅ Education and safe return-to-activity planning

Surgery is only considered if rehab doesn’t achieve the desired result.

Andrew Adel Ishak
Next

Shoulder Bursitis – Symptoms, Causes & Effective Physio Relief