Shoulder labral tears are common shoulder injuries among athletes and those who engage in repetitive overhead motion. It can also occur due to accidents and falls. It is a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, known as the labrum. A shoulder labral tear can vary in severity and treatment, and it is essential to understand when it requires medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss the severity of labral tears and when it is serious enough to warrant chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention.
Grade 1 Tear:
A grade 1 tear is the least severe of all labral tears. It occurs when the labrum has only a minor fraying or a small separated flap. Most people can continue with their daily activities without any treatment at this stage. However, if left untreated, it can worsen and progress to a more severe tear.
Grade 2 Tear:
A grade 2 labral tear involves a more severe separation or fraying of the labrum. Depending on the individual’s symptoms and the severity of the tear, chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention may be necessary. Treatment typically involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, or physiotherapy to restore range of motion and strength.
Grade 3 Tear:
A grade 3 labral tear is the most severe of all labral tears and requires immediate medical attention. It is important to seek help before this stage as this stage of shoulder labral tear is hard to heal. This tear involves a complete detachment of the labrum from the shoulder socket and is typically accompanied by severe symptoms. At this stage, chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention alone may not be sufficient, and surgery may be necessary.
Repetitive Strain Injuries:
Shoulder labral tears can also occur due to repetitive overhead motion or overuse, such as in athletes who participate in sports with continuous overhead motion like swimming, tennis, or baseball. In such cases, the tear may progress over a more extended period, and the symptoms may be less severe. However, if left untreated, these injuries can cause chronic pain and difficulties with movement.
Overuse or Inactivity:
Shoulder labral tears can also occur from overuse, such as doing repetitive activities that lead to the overloading of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. Alternatively, it can be due to inactivity, where weak muscles put added stress on the labrum. In both cases, chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention can help to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, reducing the chances of future tears.
Shoulder labral tears can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on daily life. People with labral tears should seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage, especially if the tear is severe. Chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future tears by strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint. It is essential to understand the severity of a labral tear to determine whether chiropractic or physiotherapy intervention is necessary. Make sure to listen to your body and don’t push through the shoulder labral tear pain. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, contact your chiropractor or physiotherapist to schedule an assessment and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
