When to Visit a Sports Medicine Clinic for a SLAP Tear

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body. From the biggest to the smallest movements you make daily, chances are, you have your shoulders engaged during most, if not all, of them. This frequent use of the shoulder combined with its wide range of motion makes the joint vulnerable to injury.

One common shoulder injury is known as SLAP or superior labrum anterior to posterior, which is a tear in the labrum – a ring-shaped cartilage that helps keep the upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket. A SLAP tear can develop from overuse or from breaking a fall with an outstretched arm.

You can receive the best treatment for a SLAP tear in a sports medicine clinic. You may be wondering, when is the right time to go to a sports medicine clinic for SLAP tear treatment? Let’s find out.

Symptoms of a SLAP Tear

The symptoms of a SLAP tear include persistent shoulder pain, especially when performing overhead motions, hearing popping noises when moving your shoulder, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder. Left untreated, a SLAP tear can cause chronic shoulder problems. Treatment for a SLAP tear depends on the severity of the tear. While many patients can recover with just rest and physical therapy, those with a severe tear may need surgery.

When To Visit a Sports Medicine Clinic for SLAP Tear Treatment

It can be difficult to know definitively that you have a SLAP tear because the symptoms of the injury are very similar to other shoulder injuries. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve in a few days, or if they return and have become a chronic problem, it is best to see a doctor.

If you want to receive the best possible treatment for your shoulder issue and to be completely safe, visit a sports medicine clinic for a proper assessment, especially if you rely on your shoulder for your occupation or sport. A sports medicine doctor can use diagnostic imaging to diagnose you properly and determine the extent of your injury, so you can receive the right treatment.

How is a SLAP Tear Treated?

A sports medicine doctor can provide cortisone injections to relieve pain and inflammation, as well as physical therapy exercises to improve the shoulder’s range of motion. For severe cases, the doctor can perform arthroscopic shoulder repair to access the torn labrum and trim the soft tissue, and/or reattach it to the shoulder socket. You may need to wear an arm sling after surgery and continue with physical therapy exercises.

If you engage in activities that make you prone to shoulder injuries, your sports medicine doctor can also prescribe a good shoulder conditioning program, as well as warm-up and cooldown exercises and protective equipment to reduce the risk of shoulder reinjury.

Sports Medicine Clinic in St. Peters, O’Fallon, & Wentzville Missouri

If you want to receive a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment for your shoulder injury, choose Advanced Bone & Joint for your care. Dr. Brandon Larkin and Dr. Matthew P. Melander are our sports medicine doctors here at Advanced Bone & Joint. Dr. Larkin and Dr. Melander can treat your shoulder injury and guide you on how to improve your form and technique and enhance your athletic performance.

We provide comprehensive care, which means physical therapy services are also available on-site. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (636) 229-4222 or use our online request form. Our staff is happy to help plan your return back to normal functioning quickly and safely.