What is a labral tear in the shoulder?
A shoulder labral tear, also known as a shoulder joint tear or glenoid labrum tear, happens when the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket (the labrum) is torn due to high stress or overuse. These tears are common in athletes and people who perform repetitive activities, such as weightlifting or throwing.
Anatomy of the shoulder
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones:
- The humerus (upper arm bone)
- The scapula (shoulder blade)
- The clavicle (collarbone)
The rounded top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade called the glenoid. A soft tissue ring, called the labrum, helps keep the joint stable and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and tendons, including the biceps.
Types of labral tears of the shoulder
There are several types of shoulder labral tears, all defined by where they occur in the joint. Your shoulder joint includes a ball—the head of your arm bone, or humerus—that fits into a socket—the glenoid. Labral tissue runs around the rim of the glenoid and connects to stabilizing ligaments of the shoulder.
Bankart tear
This tear, also called a Bankart lesion, occurs near the front of the labrum near the bottom of your shoulder joint. It typically happens because of an event where the shoulder joint becomes unstable, known as a shoulder instability episode.
SLAP tear
A SLAP tear, or superior labrum anterior to posterior tear, occurs at the top of the labrum and runs from the front to the back of the socket (glenoid). This type of tear can cause pain in the front of the shoulder due to the biceps tendon attaching at the site of the injury.
Posterior labrum tear
This tear happens in the back of your shoulder joint and can occur due to sudden injury or normal age-related wear.
Shoulder labral tear symptoms
For some people, the first symptom of a labral tear is a dull ache deep within the shoulder. For others, the shoulder pain can be more sudden, severe and sharp. At first, you might only feel the discomfort when you lift your arm over your head. A sudden tear from an accident or fall can cause immediate, intense pain and weakness in your upper arm.
Common symptoms of a labral tear in your shoulder include:
- Feeling like your shoulder might pop out of the socket
- Pain caused by raising or stretching your arm behind your head
- Popping noises or a grinding sensation when you move your shoulder
- Pain with certain activities, like throwing or reaching above your head
- Shoulder weakness or instability that makes it a struggle to lift items
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if your shoulder and arm pain are persistent and don't get better with at-home treatments or pain-relieving medications. Your doctor should also know if your shoulder discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities or a good night’s sleep. If you notice redness or swelling in your shoulder joint or your shoulder or arm suddenly becomes weak, see your doctor immediately.
Causes of shoulder labral tear
A labral tear can be the result of chronic injury, overuse, age-related wear or acute trauma, such as a dislocation.
Chronic injury and overuse are the most common causes of a shoulder labral tear. Sports, exercises and occupations that require repetitive overhead motion of the arm and shoulder can also cause labral tears.
Traumatic injuries that can cause labral tears include:
- Falls or bracing yourself to stop a fall
- Injuries involving force on the shoulder
- Intense pulling on the shoulder, for example, lifting a heavy object
Risk factors
Anybody can experience a labral tear, but certain factors, some in your control and others you can’t do much about, can raise your risk:
- Age: Labral tears can be caused by normal wear and tear that happens with aging, putting people over 40 at greater risk.
- Occupation: People whose jobs require repetitive overhead motions, such as painters, carpenters and mechanics, have a higher risk for labral tears.
- Sports: Athletes, especially baseball pitchers, tennis players and swimmers, are at a greater risk for rotator cuff tears. These activities involve overusing the shoulder, which can lead to injury.
- Shoulder abnormalities: Certain abnormalities in the shoulder joint, such as shoulder instability, can increase the risk of a labral tear.
Complications
The severity and location of a labral tear, along with any other shoulder injuries like a rotator cuff tear, can affect the likelihood of complications. Potential complications of an untreated labral tear include:
- Chronic pain and instability of the shoulder and arm
- Reduced range of shoulder motion
- Osteoarthritis can cause pain and potential joint damage
- Shoulder popping, catching, locking or grinding in the shoulder joint
- Weakness of the shoulder joint, making it difficult to lift your arm
How is a shoulder labral tear diagnosed?
Your shoulder joint is very complex, so diagnosing labral tears can be difficult. The process typically starts with a physical exam that allows your doctor to ask about symptoms and check your shoulder’s range of motion. After the exam, your doctor may order imaging tests that offer more detail than a physical exam can provide and confirm any findings.
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Medical history and exam
Because labral tears can have several causes, your doctor will want to determine how your injury occurred and whether your symptoms appeared suddenly or over time. During your physical exam, your doctor will test your shoulder’s range of motion and arm strength by having you move your shoulder in different directions.
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Imaging tests
After your exam, your doctor may order imaging tests to locate damage in your shoulder and try to identify which type of tear you have. Those tests may include:
- CT scan or MRI scan: These imaging tests show soft tissues, including your labrum. Your doctor may order these tests with contrast dye to better view a tear.
- X-ray: While a labral tear won’t appear on an X-ray (this test shows bones but not soft tissues), your doctor may order one to rule out other possible conditions, such as bone spurs and arthritis.
- Diagnostic arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat joint issues. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a tiny incision in the shoulder, allowing the doctor to see the labrum and other structures, helping to confirm the presence and severity of a tear.
Labral tear shoulder treatment
Not all labral tears require treatment, especially if they’re minor. However, your doctor may start with nonsurgical care, including pain-relieving medications, rest and physical therapy, to relieve your symptoms so the tear can heal over time. Depending on your type of tear, your general health and other factors, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.
Medication
Some types of labral tears need only rest and pain medications to heal and get your shoulder functioning again. Your doctor may suggest:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are available over the counter and reduce inflammation that causes pain. If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, your doctor can prescribe stronger NSAIDs.
- Cortisone injections: These injections deliver a steroid called cortisone directly to the site of pain in your shoulder.
Therapy
Recovering from a shoulder labral tear often involves physical therapy to gradually rebuild strength in the shoulder, arm and back muscles. Strengthening these surrounding muscles helps reduce the stress placed on the labrum, giving it time to heal. Physical therapy also plays a key role in stabilizing the shoulder joint, relieving pain, improving range of motion and flexibility, and preventing further injury.
In addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy can help you safely perform everyday activities without aggravating your shoulder. This might include learning how to lift and carry items, such as groceries, or adjusting the way you reach, push or pull objects. Occupational therapists can also recommend changes to your workspace or daily routine to minimize strain on your injured shoulder. These combined therapies work together to restore function, prevent reinjury and help you return to your normal activities.
Surgery
Nonsurgical treatments often relieve symptoms and heal shoulder labral tears. However, if these measures don’t work or symptoms return, surgery may be recommended. For severe or unstable labral tears, shoulder arthroscopy is often the preferred option. This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions, helping you recover faster and with less pain. You’ll receive either a nerve block to numb the area and/or general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tool with a camera (arthroscope) through one incision to guide the repair. Small instruments are inserted through another incision to repair or remove damaged tissue. This may include reattaching the torn labrum to the shoulder socket or arm bone. Surgery typically takes less than an hour, and most people go home the same day.
Find specialized care for shoulder pain
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert care. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or ongoing support for frozen shoulder, our teams are here to help you.
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Downtown
200 E Cesar Chavez St Ste G140, Austin, TX, 78701
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin North Burnet
2608 Brockton Dr , Austin, TX, 78758
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Oak Hill
5251 US 290 , Austin, TX, 78735
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin River Place
10815 Ranch Rd 2222 , Austin, TX, 78730
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park
910 E Whitestone Blvd , Cedar Park, TX, 78613
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station University Drive
1700 University Dr E , College Station, TX, 77840
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Georgetown
4945 Williams Dr , Georgetown, TX, 78633
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 200, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Taylor
403 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Riverside
2740 TX-360 Ste 100, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics
12230 Coit Rd Ste 100, Dallas, TX, 75251
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 630, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Lake Pointe
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 203, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Orthopedic Trauma - Waco
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd Second Floor, Waco, TX, 76712
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving
1901 N MacArthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville (Building 1)
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Bldg 1, Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Trophy Club
2850 E State Highway 114 , Trophy Club, TX, 76262
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Uptown
2727 E Lemmon Ave , Dallas, TX, 75204
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie
2400 N Interstate 35E , Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Dallas
3409 Worth St Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 310, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital - Arlington
707 Highlander Blvd , Arlington, TX, 76015
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas
3900 Junius St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 203, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Can a labral tear in the shoulder heal itself?
Yes, in some cases, a labral tear in the shoulder can heal on its own, but you will also need to rest your shoulder and have physical therapy. These tears are usually not very severe.
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What does a shoulder labral tear feel like?
A labral tear can cause a deep, dull ache or, if caused by an injury, sudden, severe, sharp pain. For tears related to overuse or wear, you might only feel the pain when you perform activities that strain your shoulder. Some people also feel a grinding, clicking, popping or catching sensation.
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Can shoulder labral tear cause nerve pain?
Yes, a shoulder labral tear can cause nerve pain. When the labrum tears, it may lead to new nerve growth or cause a cyst to press on a nerve, leading to pain or weakness. This can affect your shoulder’s ability to move properly, causing discomfort or difficulty with certain motions.
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Can a shoulder labral tear cause numbness?
Yes, a shoulder labral tear can cause numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm or hand. This happens when the tear puts pressure on nearby nerves. A specific type, called a SLAP tear, can also cause weakness or a "dead arm" feeling, especially in athletes.
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How long does a shoulder labral tear take to heal?
Recovery time for a shoulder labral tear varies based on treatment and severity. Nonsurgical recovery may take a few weeks to months. Surgery typically takes several months, with athletes needing up to a year. Factors like tear location, healing and activity level can influence how long it takes to heal.