Glenoid Labrum Tear (Shoulder Joint Tear)
The labrum is a piece of connective tissue that deepens the socket and stabilizes the shoulder joint. A tear in this connective tissue is called a Glenoid Labrum Tear.
This can result from a traumatic event (fall on an outstretched hand) or chronic overuse (pitching, swimming, etc) of the shoulder.
– Trauma.
– Poor shoulder blade and rotator cuff strength/control on the follow through of a pitch/throw/ (This results in a “peel back” injury where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum.)
– Shoulder pain with overhead movements.
– Feeling of instability/shifting in the shoulder.
– Shoulder weakness.
– Decreased range of motion.
– New clicking/popping in the shoulder.
– Pain at night or pain while sleeping on the affected shoulder.
At Home Diagnostic Tests
– O’Brien’s test (video).
At Home Care
– Comfort care
– Ice, heat, NSAIDs as needed.
– Avoid irritating activities.
– Gentle movement through ROM.
When to Seek Help
Contact your physical therapist if the pain does not subside in 7 days, you have a feeling of instability in the shoulder, or a feeling of weakness or have an inability to perform overhead motions.