Shoulder Labral Tears
Personalized physical therapy to help you move with greater strength, control, and confidence.
Serving Queen Creek and San Tan with one-on-one care since 2006.
Understanding a Shoulder Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, called the glenoid, and makes the socket deeper. By deepening the socket, the labrum helps the ball of the upper arm bone fit more securely in the joint.
Labral tears are commonly associated with trauma, shoulder instability, or repetitive throwing activities such as baseball. A special type of labral tear—called a superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear—often involves the biceps tendon as well.
Because shoulder problems can affect dressing, lifting, carrying, sleeping, and exercise, a thorough one-on-one evaluation can help identify movement limitations and create a plan around your goals.
Common Signs
Labral tears may cause painful clicking, locking, or popping in the shoulder. Some people also experience a feeling of instability because the labrum is no longer doing its full job of holding the ball in the socket.
Diagnosis & Care Planning
Labral tears can be difficult to diagnose. Medical evaluation may include an MRI, and arthroscopic repair may be considered. Physical therapy can support appropriate rehabilitation and help you work toward better function.
Physical Therapy May Include
- Core strengthening
- Isometric exercise
- Stretching and flexibility exercise
- Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
- Cryotherapy or cold therapy
- Electrotherapeutic modalities and other physical agents
Each program is individualized to your symptoms, movement needs, and stage of recovery.
Your Rehabilitation Goals
- Improve everyday function
- Improve muscle strength and power
- Improve shoulder proprioception
- Improve range of motion
- Support self-care of symptoms
- Increase oxygen to tissues
Our team listens to you and builds a personalized care plan to help improve strength, mobility, and confidence.
A Progressive Plan for Shoulder Recovery
Recovery commonly progresses from pain relief and protection to introducing comfortable movement, strengthening, functional retraining, and continued prevention. Your therapist will guide the pace of your program based on your presentation and goals.
At San Tan Physical Therapy, you receive a thorough one-on-one evaluation and hands-on, personalized care. We offer immediate appointments when available, direct insurance billing, and drug-free, natural treatment options.
Related Shoulder Care
Explore other conditions and services that may be part of your shoulder rehabilitation plan.
Shoulder Instability
Learn about care for a shoulder that feels loose, unstable, or prone to moving out of position.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Find out how physical therapy can help address pain, weakness, and loss of shoulder function.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Discover personalized treatment for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, mobility, and functional goals.
Start Moving Forward
Get the focused, one-on-one care you need to work toward less pain and better shoulder function.
Call (480) 677-2771 or request your visit today.