Shoulder labral tears are a common injury among people of all ages and fitness levels. This type of injury occurs when the cartilage that lines the shoulder joint tears causing discomfort, pain and sometimes even nerve impingement. With the proper treatment it is possible to halt the progression of a shoulder labral tear and prevent it from getting worse. In this article, we will discuss how chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help you stop a shoulder labral tear from progressing.
What are they symptoms of a shoulder labral tear?
The symptoms of a labral tear depend on its specific location and can manifest in various ways. Individuals may experience a persistent, dull throbbing ache in the shoulder joint, leading to difficulties in sleeping due to discomfort. Movement of the shoulder joint may result in a sensation of it “catching,” and pain may be triggered by specific activities or even during routine household chores. Those with a labral tear might also encounter shoulder dislocations. Athletes, in particular, may notice a diminished strength and a significant decline in their ability to throw, underscoring the diverse and impactful nature of labral tears.
Chiropractic treatment for a shoulder labral tear
Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive and non-surgical option for treating a shoulder labral tear. A chiropractor can help increase the range of motion in your shoulder joint, reduce pain and inflammation and improve the overall function of your shoulder. The chiropractor will perform an assessment of your shoulder joint to determine the cause of your injury. Based on the assessment they will create a personalized treatment plan that includes adjustments, massage therapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
Physiotherapy for a shoulder labral tear
Physiotherapy is a type of treatment that involves exercises and therapies to help restore the strength and function of your shoulder joint. Physiotherapy can be used for many different injuries, including shoulder labral tears. A physiotherapist can create a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, increase the range of motion in the shoulder, and reduce pain and inflammation. They may also use techniques like ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and soft tissue mobilization to help heal the tear.
Rest and ice
Rest and ice are two simple yet effective methods for reducing pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. If you have a shoulder labral tear, it is important to give your shoulder joint plenty of rest to allow the tear to heal properly. Additionally, applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours. It is important to use a cloth or towel to protect your skin from the cold.
Modification of activities
If you are suffering from a shoulder labral tear, it is important to modify your activities to avoid aggravating the injury. Activities that involve repetitive overhead movements should be avoided until the injury has healed. Additionally, heavy lifting and contact sports should also be avoided until the shoulder joint has returned to normal function. Your chiropractor or physiotherapist can provide guidance on which activities to avoid and which activities are safe to continue while you are healing.
Surgery
If the tear is severe or does not heal after several months of conservative care, surgery may be necessary. Surgery for a shoulder labral tear involves repairing the tear with sutures or removing the damaged tissue. In some cases, a surgeon may need to reattach the cartilage to the bone. While surgery is generally successful, it is important to exhaust all non-surgical options before considering surgery.
If you are suffering from a shoulder labral tear, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. With the proper care, it is possible to stop the tear from progressing and prevent it from getting worse. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are excellent options for treating shoulder labral tears, as they are non-invasive and effective. Additionally, rest, ice, modification of activities, and surgery, if necessary, can all help promote healing in the shoulder joint. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your shoulder, don’t wait for it to get worse. Seek treatment today and take the first step towards healing your shoulder labral tear.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
