SLAP tear of the shoulder: Signs, symptoms and current treatments

What is a SLAP tear, or a tear of the labrum in your shoulder? What signs and symptoms could tell you that you have this injury? And what treatments can help you recover?
If you have knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint pain and you want to get significantly better in the next 30 days, without cortisone shots, physical therapy, or surgery, click this link and share your injury information in the description box to learn more.
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Dr. David Geier is a triple-board certified orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine expert. Dr. Geier helps you feel, look, and perform your best regardless of age or injury.
Dr. Geier believes that the best way to return to peak performance after a bone or joint injury is to get the injury to heal without surgery. Instead of invasive surgeries with long recoveries and unpredictable results, he uses innovative treatments, medications, and injections. The goal of this approach is not just to decrease your pain, but also to heal your injury and prevent it from coming back. But it’s not just about your injury and recovery. It’s about getting you back to what you love to do - your favorite sport, exercising every day, or even just playing with your kids and getting through your work day without pain. He aims to help you optimize your performance through improved strength, energy, endurance, speed, muscle and more. He wants to help you overcome your injury but also recharge your entire body so that you feel like you’re back in your twenties.
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[@DrDavidGeier]

I cannot respond to questions with requests for medical advice left in the comments to this video. If you leave a question, I will try to answer it in a future video. You can also subscribe to my channel and join me for an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier live show.

[@Optimizedforlife]

Just about to start PRP, A2M & Stem cell therapy for Neck and upper back injuries are there certain peptides you’d might say to try during this therapy to maximize recovery?

[@leep0710]

Thank you very much for this video! I have a slap tear, have done injections, meds, and physical therapy already. Have been looking to see what other options are available for best treatment, and this was very informative!

[@leep0710]

Actually, I do have a question I would like answered (just subscribed!) : if you have a ‘frozen shoulder’ from the slap tear, will a surgery or anything fix that? Or is the damage done? What are best options for regaining movement and function of shoulder?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, April 26, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@BLEU-qv4sq]

Okay I have a SLAP tear and I also have another tear in my shoulder this injury happened in 2021 I just happened to look into it about this year because the pain seem like it was getting worse

[@hanh9384]

Hi Dr. Geier, if physical movements are not restricted/ affected but there is mild pain localized on the acromion process how long would it take to recover with proper rest and rehab excercise? At times when I turn my head it feels like there’s a pull on the acromion

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, March 8, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@BLEU-qv4sq]

I thought my pain will go away but it didn't so I did see a orthopedic and I'm going through physical therapy but I also have neck Spurs and herniated discs that's attached to my shoulder so when I'm doing physical therapy it's agitating what do you think about me getting surgery after it's been 3 years that my shoulder has not healed

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, February 16, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@Lee67356]

Hi doc! I have a question about my tibia I got an implant removal last month can I still play basketball?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, September 29, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@KippingItRealcrossfit]

do you see it in crossfit a lot? the kip itself seems to be somewhat of a throwing motion. i got injured during an "event" coming down hard from the bard and tore something in my scapular area, but now i have the "clicking" type feeling and overhead pain and all signs seem to point to the slap tear. ALL that being said. all i cant do is strict pullups and rings right now. the first couple bar muscle ups, toes to bar, and kipping pullups hurt a little but it seems to go away as i get going. i have modified my kip into a smaller kip with less range of motion and therefore am not as efficient and not able to string together as many reps. its been about 3 months. could i have the type of tear that truly needs surgery if im still able to do all that? ....i might actually rather be limited the rest of my life versus going through a surgery that shuts me down

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, June 28, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@bharatkumar-tk5qb]

I have supraspinatus tendonitis...can u help me

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, May 31, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@trendtrader8074]

Sir can slap tear be detected on 3 Tesla MRI scan or we require Mr arthrogram for diagnosis

[@DrDavidGeier]

It can be, but I have found MR arthrograms to be more accurate.

[@thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

Mine was identified on a 1.5 Tesla MRI - and that was 8 months after the injury occurred.

[@ChrisConnor-wd5kv]

I had three tears complete tears in my right shoulder, and at the same time I had old ulnar nerve transposition and carpal tunnel relief. All in a single surgery. It’s been approximately 15 weeks. I am on light duty at work a.k.a. desk, Jockey, I move files I enter data. Today I picked up a file less than 5 pounds. It felt like an elastic band snapped in the rear shoulder blade. Should I be concerned. And if I push on it and raise my arm, it gets to a certain degree and falls away, kind of similar to when I tore the three tendons.

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, September 29, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@luke7507]

So I know damn well I tore my left shoulder not completely sure where but I fully dislocated it with a 90lb dumbbell and it popped back into place right away. That was about 10 years ago. I couldn't bench a bar (45lbs) for 6 months my shoulder felt and forever feels "loose" from the socket. I never went to a doctor bc surgery is rarely an option if at all. I'm a massage therapist so with my knowledge, I actually did my own rehab. I stopped sleeping on that side. I couldn't even lift that arm. And when I could, I started doing cable external exercises as well as internal. Years later, I was able to bench 280lb on the bar.. the incident happened from over head dumbbell press with 90lb dumbbells. After that I don't do much over head exercises, I can do some weight but I just don't really do it more so from fear. Now I'm dealing with what seems to be a slap tear in my right shoulder, hoping to replicate the same results with rotator cuff exercises, scapula stability exercises, e stim, ice, massage, cupping, msm glucosamine hyaluronic acid, turmeric. I really do believe the body is capable of amazing, speechless things if you put your mind to it, believe, and work with the body.

[@davinaculbertson3021]

DO NOT DO SURGERY IF YOU CAN.

[@luke7507]

@davinaculbertson3021 thank you for your input. Ya, I'm not planning on it. I try to avoid surgery at all costs.

[@araze3195]

Hi man how much time it took you to start benching again?

[@luke7507]

@araze3195 After my first shoulder injury, It took a solid 6 months to start benching lighter weight. In fact the only upper body "training" I did was rehab for my shoulder. Otherwise I hit legs 3 times a week

[@pedroivoufrj]

After my first injury to my left shoulder in 2014, which resulted in a Bankart lesion, I underwent surgery and spent over 12 months recovering. It was a really challenging period. Now, I've sustained a new injury, a SLAP tear, and I am planning to try a conservative approach to healing

[@risavranjanpramanik945]

My MRI report says Antero-inferior labral tear is noted with a small paralabral cyst measuring approximately 8.3 x 3.5 mm The antero-inferior labral tear extends from 3-6 o'clock 3-5 o'clock position Nowadays its getting worse , i cant do my exercises as i am an athletic and i am 24 years of age ,im having severe pain Nowadays..Labrum tear is getting worse What do you recommend? Should i go for surgery?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, May 31, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

Sounds like you need an orthopedic surgeon to look at it and determine what is the best option.

[@whyallthefuss201]

I woke up one morning with a deep pain in my right shoulder and the pain has gotten worse. You just described all the symptoms I have and my question is can you get a SLAP tear just because you are a side sleeper? I’m 58 years old and not a laborer or an athlete

[@DrDavidGeier]

Typically not

[@thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

My tear (verified by an MRI), does not generate pain inside the shoulder. But rather, on the outside of and down the length of, my bicep. Get an MRI.

[@igrkoza]

Can steroids be used along with physiotherapy in order to promote a faster recovery and later a stronger shoulder in general?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, June 28, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@davinaculbertson3021]

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A SLAP TEAR IS NOT REPAIRED AND A DISTAL CLAVICLE EXCISION IS DONE ?

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you are able, join Dr. Geier here on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! show at Noon ET on May 31. He would be happy to discuss this. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@davinaculbertson3021]

I can tell you about the needless surgery the surgeon done on me. I have been told I did not need the distal clavicle excision ( NO BONE SPURS) and acromioplasty ( NO SPURS THERE EITHER) that is always done with it. The acromioplasty disconnected the anterior deltoid from bone removal, and the distal end of the clavicle removal disconnects the trapezoid FROM ANY BONE STABILITY- making the spasms and hiking up of the shoulder FOREVER===which ruins anterior stability for a dental hygienist AND CAUSES PAIN... NOT TO MENTION THE NOW NERVE DAMAGE HE LEFT ME WITH. AND THE STATE OF TENNESSEE PASSED LAWS PROTECTING THESE EVIL SURGEONS THAT LIE AND CHANGE A PERSON'S SKELETON.

[@davinaculbertson3021]

The labrum (socket) was the second surgery done by a different surgeon ONLY AFTER A YEAR LATER... BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WOULD SEE ME EVEN AFTER A REFERRAL THAT OTHER SURGEONS IN THE AREA WOULD NOT ACCEPT... WHICH SENT ME BACK to the surgeon that continued with lies saying he fixed my shoulder when he had to have known the labrum was torn (noted some 'fraying' and debrided it- but took NO camera pictures of the socket during surgery THEN TOLD ME I HAD NO TEARS OF THE 'BUMPER' when explaining what he done- confusing me w words... Then telling me 3 days before the second surgery to repair the labrum w screws THAT HE THOUGHT I MAY NEED SOMETHING DONE TO MY NECK AND ORDERED XRAYS AND AN MRI OF MY NECK WHICH I TOLD HIM IT WAS NEVER MY NECK IT ALWAYS HURT IN THE BACK OF MY SHOULDER AND DOWN THE ARM( since no one else would see me and HE was my second opinion to THE SURGEON ACROSS THE 4-LANE FROM HIS OFFICE. BOTH SURGEONS COVERED UP MISTAKES AND ATTORNEYS tell me doctors can put anything in a surgery report EVEN THOUGH XRAY/MRI REPORTS SAY IT DOES NOT show. ... And the surgeon says the MRI was where he seen spurs ( which I NOW have been told x-rays is where spurs are found and the report on my x-rays say the AC joint is well maintained). I have never been so disappointed and this Dr told me "I didn't help you, but I didn't hurt you neither.". I WANT TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I WILL STRUGGLE WITH MY CAREER AS A HYGIENIST FOR AS LONG AS I CAN AND FEEL I HAVE BEEN ABUSED / LIED TO / AND ABANDONED

[@KaIIada]

fell down directly on my shoulder at a football camp, nasty push pull and i loaded all of my outer upper arm, felt a crack and a pop and dislocated the shoulder. now my pain is generalized deep in my shoulder and hurts in certain movements and it’s a pinching feeling.

[@nickgeorgiakakis7249]

I did something very similar when i was younger, back in the days before MRI. Eventually I tore the AC joint as well and at that point an MRI found a SLAP tear. I had my surgery 4 years ago, it took 6 months for the pain to subside and a further 6 months for the shoulder to heal. Today it's the strongest part of my body, albiet with slightly reduced range of motion. Now it looks like iv'e got a small tear in the other shoulder ( i think this one now is degenerative after 40y in the gym). I'm managing the pain and trying to rehab with excercise as I dont feel it's bad enough for surgery. Find yourself a good orthopedic surgeon and get it repaired properly, you wont regret the outcome. All the best.