Glenoid Labral Tears

A glenoid labrum tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder (glenoid). The labrum helps stabilise the shoulder joint and provides a smooth surface for shoulder movement. Tears can occur gradually through repetitive overhead activities or suddenly due to a trauma or shoulder dislocation.

Common symptoms include:

• Deep shoulder pain, often with overhead or rotational movements
   
• Clicking, catching, or popping sensations in the shoulder
   
• Feeling of instability or weakness
   
• Reduced shoulder strength and range of motion

SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior)

• Occurs at the top of the labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches
• Common in overhead athletes (e.g., baseball, swimming) or after a fall on an outstretched arm
• Symptoms: pain with overhead movements, clicking, catching, or reduced strength
   

Bankart Tear 

• Occurs at the front (anterior) of the labrum
• Usually associated with shoulder dislocations
• Symptoms: shoulder instability, feeling of the shoulder “giving way,” and pain
   

Posterior Labral Tear 

• Occurs at the back (posterior) of the labrum
• Can result from repetitive pushing or pressing activities, or posterior shoulder dislocations
• Symptoms: pain with pushing movements, clicking, and posterior shoulder instability
   

Degenerative Labral Tear 

• Gradual wear-and-tear or multiple tear types
• More common in older adults or those with previous shoulder injuries
• Symptoms: persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and difficulty with functional movements

Physiotherapy management focuses on:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Restoring shoulder mobility and stability
• Strengthening the rotator cuff, scapular, and shoulder muscles
• Improving movement patterns to protect the labrum
• Supporting safe return to sport or daily activity