A tear in the upper portion of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches is known as a SLAP tear. SLAP stands for superior, labral, anterior to, posterior. A SLAP tear can result in shoulder pain, dislocations, and problems using your shoulder. It can be caused by repeated motions in sports or at work, a blow to the shoulder, and heavy lifting.
Will I need surgery for a SLAP tear?
One of our orthopaedic experts at OrthoKnox in Knoxville, TN, will help you determine the right treatment for your SLAP tear. Your doctor will likely suggest conservative treatments first, depending on the severity of the injury. However, surgery may be the best option in some cases if the injury is too severe or conservative treatments do not work.
How does physical therapy treat a SLAP tear?
Physical therapy (PT) can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore full use of your arm. The goal of physical therapy is to increase your overall range of motion and mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles in your shoulder. Sometimes physical therapy alone is enough to help your shoulder recover from a SLAP tear. Our expert PT team at OrthoKnox’s onsite physical therapy center is prepared to work with you so you can return to your daily activities as soon as possible.
What types of exercises and therapies will I need to do for my SLAP tear?
Your physical therapist may suggest a variety of methods to help you control your pain. They will also show you how to do strengthening exercises that will focus on rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Strengthening these muscles will help support your shoulder and keep it more stable when you move your arm. This stability can help prevent future injury.
Some exercises your physical therapist will show you MAY include (please keep in mind these are not always appropriate for every patient and rehab):
- Seated rowing
- Prone extension
- Forward flexion
- Cross-body stretch
- Sleeper stretch
- Internal and external rotations
The key to these exercises is to increase from low to moderate activity with instruction from your physical therapist. These exercises can also be done before injury for prevention.
Timeline for SLAP Tear Recovery
While each person’s recovery process varies, an average recovery timeline for a SLAP tear is as follows:
| Time | Physical Therapy and Recovery |
| Conservative treatment |
· RICE (rest, ice, compress, and elevate) your knee · Physical therapy – strengthening & flexibility |
| Surgery |
· If your injury is too severe or conservative treatments do not work, then surgery may be the best option · Arthroscopic surgery involves a small incision so your doctor can repair the labrum to the bone |
| 1–6 weeks after surgery |
· Wear a sling · Range of motion exercises |
| 6 weeks–4 months after surgery |
· Increase exercises and stretches from low to moderate |
| 4–6 months after surgery |
· Gradual return to sport-specific activities |
SLAP Tear Treatment in Knoxville, TN
With our onsite physical therapy center and expert orthopaedic team, OrthoKnox has you covered. For more information about how ORTHOKnox can treat your SLAP tear, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!