Labral tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness in athletes and active individuals of all ages. These injuries can disrupt mobility, limit daily activities, and cause long-term complications if not treated properly.
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice in New Castle, PA, we specialize in treating upper extremity conditions throughout Mercer County – including shoulder labral tears – using advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive techniques, and onsite rehabilitation. Our goal is to restore function, relieve pain, and help patients across Pittsburgh and surrounding communities return to the activities they love.
Let’s explore five key things you should know about labral tears, from causes and symptoms to treatment and prevention.
1. What Is a Labral Tear and How Does It Happen?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. It cushions the joint, stabilizes movement, and keeps bones from rubbing against each other.
A labral tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged due to trauma, repetitive stress, or structural abnormalities in the joint. For example:
- Shoulder labral tears are common in athletes who throw, lift, or perform overhead motions repeatedly.
Because the labrum plays such an important role in joint stability, a tear can make the shoulder feel painful, weak, or unstable.
2. Common Symptoms of Labral Tears
Recognizing labral tear symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment. Many patients report:
- Pain deep in the shoulder socket.
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations when moving the joint.
- Instability or the feeling that the shoulder might “give out.”
- Radiating discomfort, such as pain spreading into the arm or upper back.
In some cases, especially with small tears, patients may experience little to no pain until the injury worsens.
3. Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Labral tears typically do not heal on their own. If left untreated, they can increase the risk of repeated dislocations, instability, and eventually arthritis.
A sports medicine specialist near you will begin with a physical exam and joint stability tests. Imaging, such as MRI or CT scan,s can confirm the injury, while in some cases, arthroscopy provides a definitive diagnosis.
Early diagnosis ensures that the tear is managed before it causes long-term complications.
4. Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the tear, as well as the patient’s activity level. At Singh Orthopedics, we use a stepwise approach:
Non-Surgical Care
- Activity modification to reduce strain.
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles that support the joint.
- Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief.
- Corticosteroid injections to ease inflammation.
Shoulder Labral Tear Surgery
If conservative treatments don’t relieve symptoms, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure allows the surgeon to:
- Trim or repair torn labral tissue.
- Reattach the labrum to the socket if it has detached.
- Address other injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or instability.
Recovery: Most patients recover within 3–6 months, progressing through staged physical therapy to restore strength and motion.
When performed by experienced surgeons, shoulder labral repair has high success rates, with many patients returning to their previous activity level.
5. How a Specialist Helps You Regain Mobility
Recovering from a shoulder labral tear involves more than just surgery or therapy; it requires coordinated care from a specialist.
At Dr. Singh’s office, patients benefit from:
- Accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging and exams.
- Minimally invasive procedures designed for faster recovery.
- Onsite physical therapy for continuity of care.
- Personalized treatment plans based on your lifestyle and goals.
This comprehensive approach ensures you not only recover but regain confidence in your shoulder’s strength and stability.
Preventing Labral Tears
Not all labral tears are preventable, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Warm up and stretch before activity.
- Use proper technique during sports or exercise.
- Avoid playing through pain.
- Cross-train to avoid repetitive strain on the same joint.
- Allow adequate rest between high-intensity workouts.
These strategies are particularly helpful for athletes in sports like football, baseball, gymnastics, or dance, where labral tears are most common.
Find Expert Labral Tear Care in Pittsburgh and New Castle, PA
Labral tears can limit your mobility and cause long-lasting pain if not addressed. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and role of early diagnosis is the first step to recovery. At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic office, we provide advanced, compassionate care for labral tears and other upper extremity conditions. With a focus on minimally invasive treatments, personalized therapy, and long-term mobility, our team is committed to helping you get back to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
To schedule your consultation, call (724) 656-0086 or Book An Appointment. Take the first step today toward relief and restored function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a labral tear?
A labral tear is damage to the cartilage (labrum) that lines the socket of the shoulder joint. The labrum helps stabilize the joint and allows smooth movement.
What are the most common labral tear symptoms?
Patients often report deep shoulder pain, stiffness, clicking or popping, reduced range of motion, and instability during movement.
How is a shoulder labral tear diagnosed?
Doctors use a combination of physical exams, shoulder-specific labral tear tests, and imaging such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis.
Can a labral tear heal without surgery?
No, labral tears do not heal on their own. Some symptoms may be managed with therapy, activity modification, or medication, but surgery is often required to repair the tear and restore shoulder stability.
What is the success rate of shoulder labral tear surgery?
Most patients experience significant pain relief, improved range of motion, and restored function. When surgery is combined with structured rehabilitation, the success rate is very high.
