Shoulder Labral Tear

I have a labral tear from the 1 o'clock position to the 5 o'clock position. My doctor scheduled me for rest, ice and therapy for 3 weeks. I am almost completed with the third week and will be seeing him soon. I still have pain when I move my arm in certain directions and it feels like it gets stuck. Sometimes I get an aching pain down my bicep. Will I need surgery or will I just be able to get back to normal by doing exersice?

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Shoulder Labral Tear

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Nov 18, 2009
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surgery?
by: Bart - SII

It is pretty standard to try conservative treatment for a labral tear - sometimes they respond to therapy. Deciding on surgery depends on how much function you want out of your shoulder, and how willing you are to live with some limitations. Labral tears generally won't "heal" on their own, but depending on the size of the tear and other pathology, many people can get by with therapy - but it depends on what they want to do with their shoulder. Most athletes will opt for surgery to try to restore normal function and return to activities. If daily activities are pain free and that is enough, then surgery may not be necessary.

Bart