The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage tissue that connects to the glenoid fossa of the shoulder creating a deeper more stable socket where the humerus articulates. The labrum can become torn, creating shoulder pain, instability and difficulty with activities of daily living. There are two major classifications of tears, a SLAP lesion (superior labral anterior to posterior tear), and a Bankart lesion (anterior, inferior labral tear). If the tears do not respond to conservative treatment, then surgery may be an option. The tears can range in size, which will influence your recovery process. Also, because the long head of the biceps tendon attaches to the superior surface of the glenoid near the labrum, this may be addressed with a SLAP tear.
Following surgery, there is typically a period of immobility to allow for tissue healing. Once your surgeon releases you to physical therapy we will assess the shoulder, as educate you on the surgery and the rehab process. The early phases of rehab often are limited to range of motion, scar management, soft tissue work, postural corrections and pain control as we continue to allow the labrum to heal. When the appropriate time comes, we will start to activate musculature to improve strength and endurance for the surrounding muscles. The end stages of recovery will consist of higher level movement patterns to ensure proper biomechanics, and return to activity.
