How Sports Therapy Can Help with a SLAP Tear

A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear) is a shoulder injury affecting the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. This injury is common in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball players, tennis players, and weightlifters. A SLAP tear can cause pain, instability, and a decrease in shoulder function, making it challenging to perform daily activities and sports.

Sports therapy is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment option for managing and recovering from a SLAP tear. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and injury prevention strategies, sports therapists can help patients regain strength, restore mobility, and return to their active lifestyle. Here’s how sports therapy can aid in the recovery from a SLAP tear.

1. Accurate Assessment and Diagnosis

Sports therapists are skilled in identifying the extent and type of shoulder injury you may have. A comprehensive evaluation, which may include physical tests and reviewing medical imaging (like an MRI or ultrasound), helps determine whether a SLAP tear is the cause of your shoulder pain. Understanding the severity of the injury allows the therapist to create a customised treatment plan tailored to your recovery needs.

2. Reducing Pain and Inflammation

One of the immediate goals of sports therapy is to manage pain and inflammation caused by the SLAP tear. Therapists use a combination of techniques to alleviate discomfort, including:

• Massage therapy to reduce muscle spasm and scar tissue around the shoulder

• Exercise therapy to get motion through the tighter muscles around the shoulder

• Manual therapy to release muscle tension around the shoulder joint

These methods not only provide relief but also create an optimal environment for healing, making the rehabilitation process more manageable.

3. Restoring Range of Motion

A SLAP tear often results in restricted movement, making it difficult to lift or rotate the arm. Sports therapy focuses on gradually restoring range of motion to the shoulder. Gentle, controlled exercises, such as passive and active stretches, are incorporated to increase mobility without aggravating the injury. Over time, these exercises help regain the shoulder’s flexibility, allowing for better movement in both sports and daily activities.

4. Strengthening the Shoulder Muscles

Muscle weakness around the shoulder joint can worsen instability and prolong recovery. Sports therapy programs are designed to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers. Exercises may include:

• Resistance band exercises

• Scapular retraction drills

• Rotator cuff strengthening with light weights or bodyweight exercises

By improving the strength of the shoulder and surrounding muscles, the joint becomes more stable, which can prevent further injury and provide support for the healing labrum.

5. Improving Shoulder Stability

Shoulder instability is a major concern for those with a SLAP tear. Repetitive overhead activities, especially in sports, can lead to further damage if the shoulder remains unstable. Sports therapists work on proprioception (the body’s ability to sense joint position) and joint stability through functional exercises that simulate real-life movements. These exercises retrain the shoulder to maintain stability during complex motions, crucial for preventing future injury.

6. Manual Therapy for Healing and Mobility

In addition to exercise-based treatments, sports therapists often use manual therapy techniques to aid in recovery. These include:

• Joint mobilisation: Gentle manipulation of the shoulder joint to improve mobility and reduce stiffness.

• Soft tissue massage: Targeted massage around the shoulder, neck, and upper back to release tension and improve blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing.

Manual therapy not only helps improve mobility but also reduces pain and enhances the overall function of the shoulder.

7. Gradual Return to Sports and Activity

For athletes recovering from a SLAP tear, a key goal is returning to their sport as safely and efficiently as possible. Sports therapy emphasises a gradual progression from basic movements to more advanced, sport-specific exercises. Therapists design rehab programs that mimic the demands of your sport, ensuring that you regain the strength, coordination, and endurance needed to perform at your best without risking re-injury.

For example:

• Baseball players may practice controlled throwing movements.

• Tennis players may engage in shadowing their swing before returning to full-speed serving.

The goal is to ensure that the shoulder is fully functional and able to handle the rigors of sports before resuming regular training or competition.

8. Injury Prevention and Education

In addition to treatment, sports therapy also focuses on preventing future injuries. Sports therapists educate patients on proper techniques for movements, especially overhead motions, to avoid overstraining the shoulder. Strengthening the shoulder and improving overall body mechanics reduce the risk of future SLAP tears and other shoulder injuries. Additionally, they may recommend specific warm-up exercises and stretches to incorporate into your routine for long-term shoulder health.

Conclusion

A SLAP tear can be a challenging injury, especially for athletes, but sports therapy offers a non-invasive, highly effective approach to recovery. By focusing on pain relief, restoring mobility, strengthening muscles, and improving stability, sports therapy provides a comprehensive treatment plan that helps patients return to their active lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who simply wants to regain full shoulder function, sports therapy can be an invaluable tool in your recovery from a SLAP tear.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a SLAP tear, consider consulting a sports therapist to explore how personalised rehabilitation can help you heal and get back to doing the activities you love.

To book in with one of our sports therapists - please call us on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk. We also now have online bookings, please take a look here.