Glenoid Labral is a cartilaginous part of the shoulder that increases the size of the shoulder joint and also serves as a ligamentous attachment site for numerus shoulder ligaments and tendons.
Causes of shoulder injury to cartilage:
- Fall on outstretched arm
- Direct blow to the shoulder
- Sudden pull, such as trying to lift a heavy object
- A violent overhead reach, such as trying to stop yourself from falling or sliding
- Repetitive shoulder motion in athletes or weightlifters
Symptoms of a labral tear:
- Sense of instability in the shoulder
- Shoulder dislocations
- Pain with overhead movements
- Catching, locking, popping in the shoulder
- Decreased range of shoulder motion
- Loss of strength
- Pain at night or while doing daily activities
Types of glenoid labral injuries:
- SLAPs; this is in the superior half of the labrum/cartilage and may also involves the bicep tendon
- Bankart lesion; this is the lower half of the labrum/cartilage
- Posterior/back of shoulder; this only makes up 5 to 10% of all shoulder injuries
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear.
Stretches for a non-surgical option;
Posterior capsule stretch; hold for 30 seconds 3 x per day / Anterior shoulder stretch / Wall slide
Strengthening for non-surgical options
- Pendulum; with small dumbbell
Move your body in circles so your arm swings around like a pendulum. Also rock your arm front to back and side to side. Start with 10 of each
Range of motion with Thera bands
- Flexion to about 90 degrees, ensuring your thumb in up
- Extension
- Abduction, in scaption, which is 45 degrees to the side.
Shoulder taps on all 4’s
- Ensure you knees are under your hips and your wrists are under your shoulders.
- Whilst bracing the core, bring one hand up to the opposite shoulder to tap and then lower. Repeat on the other side
Shoulder external rotations with Thera band
- Whilst maintaining your elbow locked into your rib cage, open your palm and ensure the movement is coming from your shoulder blade and not your wrist or elbow
Shoulder rows
- Firstly retract and stabilise the scapulars by trying to bottom tip of your scapula to touch either side of your spine
- With your thumbs facing upwards pull the band
Bear hug
- Using a Thera band, wrap it around your mid back
- Starting with your arms bent, push forward to straighten your arms at about 60 degrees
- Ensuring your palm is facing down
At Lakeside Chiropractic we can help you manage shoulder pain with our multi modal approach. Located in Perth’s Northern suburb of Joondalup. With visitors from various surrounding suburbs such as; Padbury, Kinross, Mindarie, Sorrento, Iluka, Carramar, Currambine, Tapping, Pearsall, Hocking and Woodvale. We have HICAPS Facilities available on site for major private health insurers. We are also a Medibank preferred practitioner and part of the BUPA Members first network. If you wish to make an enquiries or to book an appointment; feel free to contact one of our friendly staff on 9300 0095 or visit our website at www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment via our “BOOK NOW” tab.
