The labrum is a key cartilaginous structure in the shoulder. It lines the joint cavity, providing greater congruence between the head of the humerus and the glenoid fossa. This provides stability, cushioning, protection from bone-on-bone impact, and serves as an anchor point for other structures such as the tendon of the long head of the biceps and the glenohumeral ligaments.
What are Labrum lesions?
- SLAP lesion:
It is the most common and affects the upper part of the labrum, where the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle inserts. There are four types depending on the degree of involvement of the labrum and the biceps tendon. - Bankart lesion:
It appears on the anteroinferior part of the labrum and is often associated with shoulder dislocations. It can cause recurrent shoulder instability. - Posterior labral tear:
It's a less common injury. It occurs in the posterior part of the labrum and is caused by trauma or contact sports such as rugby or weightlifting. - ALPSA Injury:
It is a variant of the Bankart lesion where the labrum is displaced medially, making it a more complicated lesion.
How do I know if I have a labral injury and not another shoulder injury?
Labral injuries can be confused with other shoulder problems, but there are some signs that may indicate this injury:
- Deep pain in the shoulder, especially when performing certain movements.
- Feeling of instability or weakness in the joint.
- Blocking, clicking, or grinding sensation inside the shoulder.
- Loss of strength and limitation of range of motion.
If you experience these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a physiotherapist or a medical center to undergo specific clinical tests, including imaging tests.
Why are athletes more likely to suffer from it?
Some sports require repetitive overhead movements and place high demands on the shoulder, which can increase the risk of injury. Add to this fatigue and poor muscle activation and stabilization, and the likelihood of injury increases.
Sports such as baseball, swimming, tennis, weightlifting, and handball place a high demand on shoulder stability and strength, which can lead to repetitive microtraumas in the labrum and predispose it to injury.
If you're interested in basketball, this article about Ja Morant's injury is for you: Grizzlies' Ja Morant misses Thunder game with shoulder injury
Can I return to sports after a labrum injury?
Recovery from a labral injury is entirely possible. The key is proper treatment and progressive rehabilitation tailored to the specific sport you practice, so you can return to enjoying sports. Recovery time will depend on the type of injury, its severity, and the individual patient.
In Evolution PhysiotherapyWe have professionals specializing in shoulder sports injuries who offer individualized treatments tailored to your sports practice, with the goal of helping you regain your physical performance on the playing field.
Why does my shoulder make a clicking or popping noise? Could it be a labral injury?
Hearing a popping sound in the shoulder doesn't always mean there's an injury. However, if the noise is accompanied by pain, a feeling of instability, or limited movement, it could be related to a labral injury. In these cases, it's important to undergo an evaluation by a physical therapist or physician to determine the cause of the noise and confirm or rule out a possible structural injury. This diagnosis can also be supplemented with other imaging tests such as an MRI.
How is it cured? Is it possible to cure a labral injury without surgery? When should surgery be considered?
Treatment for a labral injury will depend on its type, severity, and the patient's activity level.
In mild or moderate cases, where surgery is not necessary, treatment is usually conservative and based on physical therapy. This approach combines techniques such as manual therapy and myofascial therapy, combined with invasive therapies, such as dry needling and neuromodulation, in addition to therapeutic exercise adapted to each patient.
The main goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, restore mobility, improve stability, and increase muscle strength.
In cases of severe pain, treatment can be supplemented with corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to control inflammation and pain.
When the injury is more severe and conservative treatment is insufficient, surgery may be necessary. After surgery, physical therapy and progressive rehabilitation will be essential, ensuring optimal recovery before returning to sports or daily life.
Physiotherapy in Alcalá de Henares for the treatment of labral injuries
Don't let a glenoid labrum injury hold you back. If shoulder pain is limiting or keeping you away from sports, there's a solution. With the right physical therapy, you can regain mobility, reduce your pain, and return to your peak performance.
At Evolution Advanced Physiotherapy Clinic in Alcalá de Henares, our professionals are ready to offer you personalized treatment for your labral injury. Don't let the injury hold you back. Regain your strength with us! Book your appointment here and start your recovery right now.
