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Best Ways to Treat Shoulder Labral Tear

Best Ways to Treat Shoulder Labral Tear
Best Ways to Treat Shoulder Labral Tear

Shoulder labral tear is a common injury among athletes or people who engage in physical activities that involve repetitive overhead movements. It is a tear in the ring of cartilage known as the labrum that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. A shoulder labral tear can be an extremely painful injury that requires treatment to help reduce pain and improve function. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to treat shoulder labral tear to help you recover quickly and get back to your daily activities.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is usually the first line of treatment for shoulder labral tear. A physiotherapist can help you develop a customized exercise program that can help you strengthen your shoulder muscles and improve your range of motion. Physiotherapy can also include modalities such as heat or ice therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to help manage pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for fixing shoulder labral tears. A chiropractor can use manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation to help reduce pain, swelling and improve joint function. Chiropractic care can also address any underlying joint dysfunction that may contribute to the pain or injury.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication or muscle relaxants if your pain is severe.

Injection Therapy

Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is another injection therapy option that uses a concentrated solution of your own blood platelets to help promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a shoulder labral tear. The surgical approach will vary depending on the severity and type of tear. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach that uses small incisions and a camera to repair the tear. Open surgery may be necessary for more extensive tears.

Shoulder labral tear can be a painful and debilitating injury. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tear, but physiotherapy, chiropractic care, medications, injection therapy, and surgery can all be effective for managing pain and promoting healing. If you are suffering from a shoulder labral tear, it is essential to consult with a physiotherapist or chiropractor to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs and individual care plan. Remember, with proper treatment and care, you can recover from a shoulder labral tear and get back to your daily activities pain-free.

About the Author

Nitin Nair, MScPT is a physiotherapist at CARESPACE Victoria North. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Kitchener, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.