Shoulder injuries are common occurrences and can be triggered by various factors, from sudden accidents, repetitive activities to sports injuries. One such shoulder injury that is frequently experienced is the shoulder slap lesion. Simply put, a shoulder slap lesion is a tear in the labrum, a cartilage ring around the shoulder blade’s socket. If you have experienced a shoulder injury, it’s vital to seek professional advice from a physiotherapist or a chiropractor. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways these professionals can help treat your shoulder slap injury and get back to your daily activities.
Rest and Recovery
If you have a shoulder slap lesion, resting is one of the best ways to avoid worsening the injury. Injuries require time to heal, and your shoulder is no exception. Complete rest is sometimes recommended to avoid aggravating the injury. You may need to take a break from your usual activities, especially if they involve repetitive motions that may strain your shoulder. For proper recovery, it’s important to consult a physiotherapist or chiropractor to recommend the best exercises to promote healing.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy is a common way of training an injury like a shoulder slap lesion. Applying an ice pack to the affected area may reduce inflammation, pain, and soreness. Ice therapy is an excellent way to alleviate the discomfort caused by the injury. Ice should be applied to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially after engaging in physical activity.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Physiotherapists or chiropractors often recommend physiotherapy and exercises to improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Physioherapy exercises for shoulder slap lesions may include slow and gentle movements of the joints, shoulders, and arms. General exercises and stretches can be used for other muscles surrounding the shoulder. These exercises aim to strengthen the shoulder muscles, prevent the risk of re-injury, and promote faster healing.
Pain Relief Medication
Pain relief medication can also aid in treating shoulder slap lesions. Over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, the practitioner may suggest pain medication or a joint injection.
Surgery
In severe cases where the injury does not respond to the above treatment methods, surgery is recommended. Surgery is a procedure that involves repairing the torn tissue in the shoulder labrum. Recovery time from surgery varies as it depends on various factors like the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health.
Shoulder injuries are not only painful but can interfere significantly with your daily activities and routine. Should you experience a shoulder slap lesion, it’s recommended to seek professional advice from a physiotherapist or chiropractor and start treatment immediately. This injury can recover with proper medical attention, rest, ice, physiotherapy, pain relief medication, and sometimes surgery if needed. Each treatment method has different effects, and it’s wise to consult a professional to recommend the best treatment plan for you. With proper care and attention, you will recover faster, and your shoulder will be healthy and back to regular activities in no time!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
