Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
A shoulder labral tear can make simple movements painful and leave your shoulder feeling unstable, weak, or prone to catching and locking. Whether the injury occurred during sports, weightlifting, a fall, or repetitive overhead activity, early diagnosis is important to protect long-term shoulder function. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides expert evaluation and treatment for shoulder labral tears in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering both conservative care and advanced arthroscopic shoulder surgery when needed.
Serving patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities, Dr. Ohlson develops personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore stability, and help patients safely return to work, athletics, and everyday activities.
What is Anatomy of the Shoulder?
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. A ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits neatly into a socket, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The glenoid is surrounded by a ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum for stabilization of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder joint at the superior labrum of the shoulder joint. It is a long cord-like structure that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps to stabilize the joint.
What is a Shoulder Labral Tear?
Traumatic injury to the shoulder or overuse of the shoulder (throwing, weightlifting) may cause the labrum to tear. In addition, aging may weaken the labrum leading to injury.
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tear?
Shoulder labral tears may cause symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Catching or locking sensation
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint instability
What are the Treatment Options for Shoulder Labral Tear?
Your doctor may initially suggest conservative approaches such as prescribing anti-inflammatory medications and advise rest to relieve symptoms until diagnostic scans are performed. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If the symptoms do not resolve with these conservative measures, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery.
During arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon examines the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum without involving the tendon, then the torn flap of the labrum will be removed. In cases where the tendon is also involved or if there is a detachment of the tendon, absorbable wires or sutures will be used to repair and reattach the tendon.
What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Labrum Tears Involve?
After the surgery, you will be given a shoulder sling to wear for 3-4 weeks. You will be advised motion and flexibility exercises after the sling is removed. These exercises increase the range of motion and flexibility of the shoulder joint.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Labral tears can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms often overlap with other shoulder conditions. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines specialized orthopedic expertise with advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques to accurately identify the source of shoulder pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, SC choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in shoulder injuries and sports medicine
- Comprehensive evaluation to accurately diagnose labral tears and associated shoulder conditions
- Advanced imaging to guide precise treatment planning
- Individualized treatment plans that prioritize non-surgical care whenever appropriate
- Expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic labral repair procedures
- Personalized rehabilitation programs focused on restoring shoulder stability, strength, and mobility
- Convenient care for patients from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding communities
Whether your labral tear developed from repetitive overhead sports, weightlifting, shoulder instability, or an acute injury, Dr. Ohlson provides evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.
Shoulder Labral Tear FAQs
What is a shoulder labral tear?
A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder socket. The labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint and supports normal movement.
What causes a labral tear?
Labral tears may result from traumatic injuries such as falls or shoulder dislocations, repetitive overhead activities like throwing or swimming, heavy weightlifting, or age-related degeneration of the cartilage.
What are the symptoms of a shoulder labral tear?
Common symptoms include shoulder pain, catching or locking sensations, clicking, decreased range of motion, weakness, and feelings that the shoulder is unstable or may slip out of place.
How is a labral tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and review of your symptoms. MRI, often with contrast (MR arthrogram), is commonly used to confirm a labral tear and assess associated injuries.
Can a shoulder labral tear heal without surgery?
Some labral tears can be managed successfully with rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment depends on the size and location of the tear, shoulder stability, and your activity level.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended if pain, instability, or mechanical symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or if the tear significantly affects shoulder function, particularly in athletes and active individuals.
What is arthroscopic labral repair?
Arthroscopic labral repair is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. The torn labrum is repaired and reattached to the shoulder socket using sutures and anchors.
How long is recovery after labral repair surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the extent of the repair. Most patients wear a sling for several weeks, followed by structured physical therapy. Returning to sports or overhead activities typically requires several months of rehabilitation.
Schedule a Shoulder Labral Tear Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If your shoulder feels unstable, painful, or catches during movement, don't ignore the symptoms. Early evaluation can help prevent further damage and improve your chances of a successful recovery.
Dr. Ohlson provides comprehensive shoulder labral tear treatment for patients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities. Schedule your appointment to learn about the treatment options that can help restore shoulder stability and get you back to the activities you enjoy.