Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a torn labrum

by Shayna Carter Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How do you treat a small labrum tear?

  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) can reduce inflammation.
  • Medication injection: Doctors can inject medications, such as steroids, into the hip joint to ease symptoms.

Labral tears are often treated with rest, over-the-counter medications, and physical therapy. If you have a Bankart tear, your doctor (or even your coach or trainer) may be able to pop your upper arm back into place. This should be followed by physical therapy.

Full Answer

How long does a torn labrum take to heal?

You can expect it to take 6 to 8 weeks for the labrum to reattach to the bone, and 3 to 6 more months of physical therapy to strengthen the area. Exercises begin with gentle, assisted range of motion movements, eventually followed by rotating and strengthening exercise for your shoulder joint and shoulder blade.

Will a torn labrum heal on its own?

No: Generally labral tears do not heal on their own. However if there is no pain and no feelings of instability then no treatment is needed. If therapy do... Read More Yes: Not all labral injuries are the same. Acute or recent injuries protected appropriately from reinjury have a better chance to heal than chronic or olde...

How to heal a torn labrum without surgery?

  • Peel-back SLAP repair (Sewing the labrum down to prevent it from “peeling back,”
  • Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (PIGHL) release surgery. As in the tendon procedures, the ligament is cut to free up a frozen or limited range of motion shoulder
  • And treatment of the partial infraspinatus tear with arthroscopic debridement procedure

Do you have to have surgery for a torn labrum?

When do you need surgery for a torn shoulder labrum? Surgery may be required if the tear gets worse or does not improve after physical therapy. "If physical therapy fails and the athlete still can’t complete overhead motions, or the shoulder continues to dislocate, surgical treatment might be required to reattach the torn ligaments and labrum to the bone," says Dr. Fealy.

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Can a torn labrum shoulder heal without surgery?

Typically, patients with SLAP injuries that are less severe, involving either a partially torn labrum or frayed labrum, will find that physical therapy alone will improve their symptoms. However, if symptoms do not resolve after 6-12 weeks of physical therapy, surgery is necessary for a full recovery.

How long does it take to recover from a torn labrum?

The recovery depends upon many factors, such as where the tear was located, how severe it was and how good the surgical repair was. It is believed that it takes at least four to six weeks for the labrum to reattach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong.

Can a labral tear fix itself?

A hip labral tear won't heal on its own, but rest and other measures can help manage symptoms of a minor tear. Nonsurgical treatments include: Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) can reduce inflammation.

How long does it take for a labrum tear to heal without surgery?

SLAP tears are usually treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications and, in some cases, an in-office cortisone injection. This is followed by gradual stretching of the shoulder, initially with a physical therapist, for six weeks to two months.

Is labral tear surgery worth it?

Doctors recommend labral tear surgery to patients who they think are good candidates—these patient are not at high risk for surgical complications and are likely to have good postsurgical results. For other patients, a hip replacement or other hip surgery may be considered.

What happens if a labral tear goes untreated?

If left untreated, this may lead to chronic or recurrent shoulder instability, pain, and weakness.

Will a cortisone shot help a torn shoulder labrum?

Usually, we perform a cortisone shot into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation from a torn labrum. However, this injection must be followed by an exercise program to strengthen the shoulder and stop further instability.

How painful is labrum surgery?

You will be in pain, and although you can mask that pain with pain medications, you may discover that doing so prevents you from taking care of your responsibilities. Your doctor will give you a sling, which he or she will advise you to wear for anywhere between two and four weeks.

What does torn labrum feel like?

Labral tear symptoms For many patients, a labral tear injury causes intense hip pain that feels like it comes from a place deep within the joint. For some, this “deep” hip pain may radiate into the groin or buttocks during hip-intensive activities.

Can a torn labrum get worse?

When this happens, the labral tissue may start to tear. If the tear gets worse, it may become a flap of tissue that can move in and out of the joint, getting caught between the head of the humerus and the glenoid. The flap can cause pain and catching when you move your shoulder.

Can a labral tear heal with physical therapy?

A labral tear can occur from a fall or from repetitive work activities or sports that require you to use your arms raised above your head. Some labral tears can be managed with physical therapy; in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the torn labrum. Physical therapists are movement experts.

How do you sleep with a torn shoulder labrum?

0:102:02Sleeping Positions after shoulder surgery or injury - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you can do is take a small or thin pillow. And sign it underneath that shoulder just to give usMoreWhat you can do is take a small or thin pillow. And sign it underneath that shoulder just to give us some more support.

How painful is labrum surgery?

You will be in pain, and although you can mask that pain with pain medications, you may discover that doing so prevents you from taking care of your responsibilities. Your doctor will give you a sling, which he or she will advise you to wear for anywhere between two and four weeks.

Can you still play football with a torn labrum?

After a period of rest and non-painful rehabilitation, the athlete may begin a graduated interval throwing program leading to full sports participation. However, many of these injuries require surgical intervention, and return-to-play may take an extended period of time.

What is the shoulder labrum?

The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.

What does a torn shoulder labrum feel like?

The most common symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum are: shoulder pain, instability and, in some cases, a feeling of grinding, locking or catching w...

What are the different types of shoulder labral tears?

The two most common types of labral injuries are SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears and Bankart tears. Both types of tears are...

Can labral tears of the shoulder be prevented?

Unfortunately, labral tears are hard to prevent, especially in throwing sport athletes, because the force of overhead motion contributes to the inj...

Can a shoulder labral tear heal without surgery?

In some cases, the labrum can heal with rest and physical therapy, depending on the severity of the tear.

When do you need surgery for a torn shoulder labrum?

Surgery may be required if the tear gets worse or does not improve after physical therapy.

What is the recovery time for shoulder labrum repair surgery?

Patients who undergo arthroscopic repair can expect shorter recovery times and less pain. Those undergoing open surgery should expect more pain, lo...

How to tell if you have a labrum tear?

The most common symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum are: shoulder pain, instability and, in some cases, a feeling of grinding, locking or catching while moving the shoulder. These symptoms may vary depending on the type of labral tear a person has.

What is the treatment for a slap tear?

SLAP tears are usually treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications and, in some cases, an in-office cortisone injection.

What is Bankart tear?

Bankart tears. Bankart tears typically occur in younger patients who have dislocated their shoulder. When the shoulder joint ball slips out of the socket, the joint capsule (fiberous tissues that surround and protect the joint) can pull on the lower portion of the labrum and tear it.

What are the two most common types of labral injuries?

The two most common types of labral injuries are SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears and Bankart tears. Both types of tears are usually accompanied by aching pain and difficulty performing normal shoulder movements.

Why does the labrum cause instability?

This in turn creates instability because the breached labrum makes it easier for the shoulder to dislocate again. A dislocation where the head of the humerus shifts toward the front of the body, it leads to what is called "anterior instability.".

What happens when a Bankart tear is slipped?

When the ball slips toward the back of the body, it leads to "posterior instability. ". With Bankart tears, patients may feel apprehension that the shoulder may slip out of place or dislocate in certain positions.

What is the labrum of the shoulder?

The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is composed of the glenoid (the shallow shoulder "socket") and the head of the upper arm bone known as the humerus (the "ball").

How to treat labrum tear?

Surgical treatment. Labrum tears requiring surgery are usually treated with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. During surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the labrum. This can include cutting off any flaps of damaged cartilage that prevent proper motion of the joint.

How to heal a torn labrum?

Most torn labrums are easily treated with rest, physical therapy, surgery, or a combination of all three. Work closely with your doctor and physical therapist to find the best treatment options for you. With proper treatment, your shoulder should return to its normal function within a year.

What is a Bankart tear?

Bankart tear or lesion: When the damage is to the lower half of the glenoid socket, it’s called a Bankart lesion or tear. Bankart tears are more common in younger people with dislocated shoulders. posterior labrum tear: Injuries to the back of the shoulder joint can cause a posterior labrum tear.

Why does my labrum hurt?

Repetitive motion and injuries can tear the labrum, often causing pain. You also have a labrum where your upper leg attaches to your hip, but it’s less likely to tear because it’s thicker than your shoulder labrum.

What is the labrum in the shoulder?

The shoulder labrum is a piece of soft cartilage in the socket-shaped joint in your shoulder bone. It cups the ball-shaped joint at the top of your upper arm bone, connecting the two joints. A group of four muscles called the rotator cuff helps the labrum keep the ball in the socket. This allows your upper arm to rotate.

What causes labrum tears?

Some specific causes of labrum tears include: 1 a fall on an outstretched arm 2 a direct hit to the shoulder 3 a violent blow while reaching overhead 4 a sudden tug on the arm

How does a labral tear feel?

A labral tear is usually painful. It may feel like your shoulder joint is: You may also feel a sense of instability in your shoulder, a decreased range of motion, and a loss of strength. Pain at night or while doing daily activities is also common.

How to diagnose a labrum tear?

Diagnosing a labrum tear involves a physical examination and most likely an MRI, CT scan and/or arthroscopy of the shoulder. Treatment varies depending on type, severity and location of the labrum tear.

How long does it take for a labrum to heal?

It is believed that it takes at least four to six weeks for the labrum to reattach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong.

What is the difference between labrum and articular cartilage?

When this type of cartilage starts to wear out (a process called arthritis), the joint becomes painful and stiff. The labrum is a second kind of cartilage in the shoulder, which is distinctly different from the articular cartilage.

What is the labrum of the shoulder?

What You Need to Know. The shoulder labrum is a thick piece of tissue attached to the rim of the shoulder socket that helps keep the ball of the joint in place. The labrum can tear a few different ways: 1) completely off the bone, 2) within or along the edge of the labrum, or 3) where the bicep tendon attaches.

Which muscle attaches to the labrum?

The other structure that attaches to the labrum is the tendon of the biceps muscle . The biceps muscle is the muscle on the front of the arm which gets firm with bending the elbow. While this muscle is quite large, it turns into a small tendon about the size of a pencil that attaches inside the shoulder joint.

Why is it difficult to predict how soon someone can return to sports after a labrum repair?

Because of the variability in the injury and the type of repair done , it is difficult to predict how soon someone can to return to sports and activities after the repair. The type of sport also is important, since contact sports have a greater chance of injuring the labrum repair.

Where is the labrum located?

The labrum is a type of cartilage found in the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the arm meets the body. The arm bone (humerus) forms a ball at the shoulder that meets the socket, which is part of the shoulder blade. These two bones are connected by ligaments — tough tissues forming tethers that hold ...

What is the best treatment for hip labral tears?

The plan may focus on strengthening the buttocks, thigh, and back, while also improving hip stability. Physical therapy for hip labral tears is considered a safe but under-studied treatment. 1 Individuals should consult their doctor before beginning any physical therapy ...

What is the best tool to repair labrum?

Most surgical options for labral repair are minimally invasive, using a tool called an arthroscope . The arthroscope is about the size of a pencil and equipped with a tiny television camera, allowing the surgeon to view and repair the damaged labrum without having to make a large incision.

What is labral repair?

Arthroscopic hip labral repair. This may be recommended when the labrum has separated from the bone. During a labral repair, the doctor will reattach the torn labrum to the hip’s socket (acetabulum) using small metal or plastic “anchors” and sterile thread. See Surgery for Repairing a Torn Hip Labrum.

What is labral debridement?

Arthroscopic labral debridement. This technique involves trimming or smoothing the area of the labrum that is torn, usually performed through an arthroscopic procedure. This procedure may be recommended if the surgeon believes that a frayed labrum is causing symptoms or could cause future symptoms.

What is labral reconstruction?

Labral replacement, sometimes called labral reconstruction, may be recommended when the labrum is too damaged to repair. Labral replacement uses a graft (tissue from another part of the body or from a donor) to completely replace the torn labrum. This is a relatively new procedure and not considered standard practice.

What to do for hip pain?

Limited activity is advised to control discomfort, including the activities that bring on hip pain. NSAIDs. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a limited period may reduce inflammation and pain in the hip area. Injections.

What is the name of the injection that is given to the hip joint?

Injections. A doctor may recommend local anesthetic fluid injections directly into the hip joint, called an intra-articular injection, if the pain is not alleviated from other measures. A corticosteroid may be added to the injection depending upon the level of hip pain and any other existing hip problems.

What is the treatment for a torn labrum?

When a labrum tear occurs, a person will experience shoulder pain, a reduced range of motion, and limited shoulder stability. Treatment often involves OTC medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy.

How to tell if you have labrum tear?

A common symptom of a shoulder labrum tear is pain. A person may also experience the following symptoms: a popping sound or feeling when moving the shoulder. a grinding sensation when moving the shoulder. the sensation that the shoulder is catching.

What is the labrum in the shoulder?

Labrum is soft cartilage that lines the ball-and-socket joints of the shoulders. This cartilage encircles the glenoid, a cavity in the shoulder blade, providing protection and stability to the shoulder. A tear can occur anywhere that the labrum connects to the glenoid. Common causes of a torn shoulder labrum include overuse ...

Why does my shoulder labrum tear?

Reasons for tearing. The most likely causes of a torn shoulder labrum include overuse from a repetitive motion or trauma to the shoulder. Athletes who play tennis, softball, or other sports that involve lifting the arm over the head to perform an action have a higher risk of repetitive motion injuries.

How long does it take for a labrum to heal after shoulder surgery?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons note that it can take several weeks to recover from the surgery. It can also take a few days for the incisions to heal. Following shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, a doctor will likely advise a person to wear a sling for a set period following the surgery.

Where does Bankart tear occur?

Bankart lesions or tears are common in younger people who dislocate their shoulder. This type of torn labrum occurs in the lower portion of the glenoid socket. A person who has sustained a Bankart tear may feel as though their shoulder could fall out of place if they move their arm in a certain way.

Can you prevent a labrum tear?

a direct hit to the shoulder. It may not always be possible to prevent a shoulder labrum tear. However, a person can take steps to reduce the risk, for example, being careful when climbing a ladder or walking up or down steep stairs.

What tests can be done to diagnose a labral tear?

Imaging tests can also help doctors diagnose a hip labral tear. The doctor may order the following imaging tests: X-rays: X-rays can alert doctors to problems with the hip bones, such as femoroacetabular impingement, or osteoarthritis, that may contribute to a labral tear and a painful hip.

How to tell if you have a labral tear?

The symptoms of a hip labral tear include: Hip pain or stiffness. Pain in the groin or buttocks area. A clicking or locking sound in the hip area when you move. Feeling unsteady on your feet. If you have a hip labral tear, hip pain or discomfort may get worse when you bend, move or rotate the hip, or exercise or play sports.

What is a labral tear in the hip?

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the soft tissue that covers the acetabulum (socket) of the hip. A hip labral tear can be caused by injury, structural problems, or degenerative issues. Symptoms include pain in the hip or stiffness. A hip labral tear can be treated nonsurgically, or with surgery in severe cases.

What is debridement in labral surgery?

Debridement (removing a small piece of labral tissue ) If FAI is also present, it will be addressed (removed) at the same time to help prevent the labrum from tearing again. The arthroscopic surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient goes home the same day.

How long does it take to recover from hip arthroscopy?

Surgery: In many cases, hip arthroscopy can relieve pain from a labral tear and return hip function. Many people recover fully from surgery within 4 to 6 months, and can often return to previous athletic pursuits and physical activity.

What is the labrum?

The labrum helps the femoral head move smoothly within the socket. It lets your hip move without problems or pain. It also serves as a seal, keeping the ball and socket together but not touching. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

Why does cartilage tear?

As cartilage slowly erodes over time, it becomes more prone to tearing. Older age and excessive weight can increase a person’s risk for developing osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis commonly have pain and stiffness in more than one joint (the hip and knee, for example).

What to do if you have a labral tear in your hip?

If it has been decided that you only have a minor tear or that you do not want the arthroscopic surgery usually recommended and prescribed for a hip labral tear, you will be recommended to a course of conservative treatments . This will include: Anti-inflammatory medications.

What causes a hip labrum tear?

posterior superior labrum hip tear (front and top of the hip) superior labrum hip tear (towards the rear of the hip) posterior labrum hip tear (the rear of the hip) Some hip labrum injuries and labral tears can be caused by a sudden, specific injury or repetitive motions that cause “wear and tear.”.

Why do surgeons give intra articular lidocaine injections?

Intra-articular lidocaine injections have been used to confirm the hip damage and may be used to predict the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery. Surgeons routinely give lidocaine injections as a surgical indicator. If the patient has a degree of pain relief, this is an indication that surgery would be successful.

What kind of hip tear did Alice have?

Alice had a hip labral tear. After months of visiting the chiropractor with limited results, Alice had an MRI that revealed a hip labral tear.

Is acetabular hip labrum arthroscopic?

With this, there has also been a growth in the understanding of various hip conditions, therefore, leading to an increase in hip conditions amenable to arthroscopic intervention. The acetabular hip labrum has been at the forefront of arthroscopic advances in the hip.

Can hip labrum tear be treated?

The typical non-surgical approaches to treating a hip labrum tear will likely send you to hip labrum surgery. In what you have just read, you have seen and most likely experienced firsthand, that the typical non-surgical approaches to treating a hip labrum tear will likely send you to hip labrum surgery.

Is lidocaine given for hip pain?

In this group of patients hip and groin pain was a problem and lidocaine was given to suggest if groin pain should be addressed as well in the surgery. In this study, lidocaine was given to people who had a hip labrum tear and also suffered from groin pain. The lidocaine was given into the hip joint.

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