Shoulder labral tears, a common injury among athletes and active individuals, can severely limit movement and cause chronic pain. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you may be wondering if it’s safe to push through your injury. The short answer: it depends. In this blog post, we will explore the various treatment options available for shoulder labral tears, and whether it’s safe to continue with certain activities after a diagnosis. We will also discuss the role of chiropractic care and physiotherapy in shoulder injury recovery.
Shoulder Labral Tears: An Overview
The labrum is a layer of soft tissue that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. A labral tear occurs when the labrum is damaged or torn. This type of injury can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, weakness, instability, and decreased range of motion. Shoulder labral tears can occur from a sudden injury, such as a fall or collision, or from repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a ball or weightlifting. People who participate in activities that involve excessive shoulder use are at higher risk for developing labral tears, such as athletes involved in contact sports, tennis players, and weightlifters.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Labral Tears
If you suspect you have a shoulder labral tear, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Various treatment options are available for labral tears, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Conservative treatments for shoulder labral tears may include rest, ice therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. Rehabilitation exercises, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage, may also help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion.
Pushing Through a Shoulder Labral Tear: Is it Safe?
If you have a labral tear, it is generally not recommended to push through your injury, especially in the early stages of healing. Continuing with activities, such as weightlifting or overhead sports, can aggravate the pain and potentially worsen the injury. Rest is essential in the early stages of labral tears to allow the tissue to heal naturally. Once pain subsides, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent further injury. It’s important to note that the decision to continue with an activity after a labral tear diagnosis should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.
The Role of Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy in Shoulder Injury Recovery
Chiropractic care and physiotherapy can play a crucial role in aiding shoulder injury recovery by reducing pain, improving range of motion, and promoting healing. By using gentle manipulation techniques, chiropractors can help realign the joints in the shoulder, improving its functionality and reducing stress on the labrum. Physiotherapists can prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in the shoulder area, promote healing and prevent future injuries. A comprehensive treatment plan that combines chiropractic care and physiotherapy can not only speed the healing process but also help prevent the recurrence of the injury.
Shoulder labral tears can be a frustrating and debilitating injury, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, full recovery is often possible. The decision whether to push through a labral tear depends on the severity of the injury and individual circumstances. In general, it is not recommended to push through a labral tear, as it can exacerbate the injury leading to further complications. Instead, rest and rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of a qualified medical professional can promote healing and prevent further injury. By seeking chiropractic care and physiotherapy and following a comprehensive treatment plan, you can significantly improve your chances of full recovery and returning to your favorite activities pain-free.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
