Shoulder Labral Tears & Instability

The labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring that helps provide passive stability to the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint has the ability to move through a lot of range of motion and it can be helpful to think about the joint as a golf ball (head of the arm bone) sitting on a golf tee (socket). The labrum essentially helps provide the golf ball with extra support sitting on the tee. There are a few different types of tears that can occur, the most common being a SLAP tear and a Bankart lesion.

A SLAP tear, which stands for Superior (top of the joint) Labrum Anterior to Posterior (direction of tear). If you think about the shoulder joint as a clock, a SLAP tear can occur anywhere at the top of the clock from the 10 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position. SLAP tears are often associated with repetitive throwing activity, falling and/or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms can be mechanical meaning catching or locking, and often throwing becomes painful. Although these tears can cause symptoms such as pain, they are often found in individuals who do not have symptoms. For example, SLAP tears are commonly found in professional baseball pitchers who do not have symptoms. To learn more about MRI findings in individuals who do not have symptoms, we recommend reading this BLOG.

Another common type of labral tear is called a Bankart lesion, and in the same clock analogy, this tear occurs from the 3 o’clock to the 6 o’clock position. Usually this type of tear occurs due to anterior (forward) dislocation of the shoulder joint. We recommend reading this BLOG post on things to consider after a shoulder dislocation.In either case, physical therapy is a great way to manage labral tears to help you return to the activities you enjoy by regaining any motion loss and improving the stability and strength of your shoulder.

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Olivia

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Nick was so attentive to my needs and he structured his schedule to fit mine. My therapy was focused on my strengths and weaknesses; therefore, my recovery time was much shorter than expected. I highly recommend Nevada Physical Therapy for any lingering pain you may be experiencing.

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Aleem

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I cannot say enough positive things about this place. Came in with an ACL injury. I spent a few weeks working with jonathan. His evidence-based approach and motivational ability was really really inspiring. He helped me get back to normal and then some!

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Nadine

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DAKOTA EZELL is at the top of MY list as a highly skilled, intuitive, present professional who values and treats me as a whole person, not just someone to fill a time slot

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Shahbaz

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The best Physical Therapy place I have ever visited. Rare to see an emphasis on finding the best method to improve injury instead of giving everyone the same plan. But the best part about this place is it's approach to well being during and after PT.

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EP

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I was referred to Brian Fearnley by someone with significant credibility. I consider working with Brian a huge stroke of luck. This specific 'PT' is increasing my recovery potential a hundred fold. Brian knows his stuff. He is well versed in PT. He has athletic history at UNR and is active in our local community. He is clearly in this profession to help people recover and get under their own power.

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Joyce

Patient

After two plus years of hip pain, three other physical therapists, quarterly injections and no relief, Crista made the pain go away! If I could give her and this practice 10 stars I'd do it!

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Perris

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As a professional athlete, injuries can make or break a career. Luckily, in my case, I had Nevada Physical Therapy on my side. Not only did they physically help me recover from a meniscus surgery, but they provided the best emotional support you could ask for in such a difficult time.

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Ross

Patient

Phenomenal. I had some brutal injuries that resulted in four surgeries and seriously disrupted my life. There can be no doubt that the quality of life I enjoy today was a direct result of working with Nevada Physical Therapy.

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Brandon

Patient

I attended Nevada Physical Therapy for my post surgery physical therapy and have nothing but great things to say. For any of you reading this, this place is by far the best physical therapy place I have ever attended with exceptional staff. I had the pleasure to work with Dakota who is extremely knowledgeable, patient and would go above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of.

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