Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Shoulder Labral Tear

Shoulder labral tears causing catching, clicking or pain overhead: rehab-first non-surgical care and when to consider surgery with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is a shoulder labral tear?

A labral tear is a rip in the ring of cartilage that keeps the ball of your shoulder snug in its socket. It can cause catching, clicking, a deep ache, or a feeling that the shoulder may slip. Many tears settle with focused rehab. Big tears, or shoulders that keep coming out of place, may need a surgeon, and Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, will tell you when that is the right call.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Shoulder condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for a shoulder labral tear?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland first determines the type of labral injury and whether it explains symptoms, since tears on imaging can be incidental. PRP treatment may be discussed only for selected related soft-tissue or joint pain; evidence for treating a labral tear itself is limited, and it does not guarantee tissue healing.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Conservative treatment may include physical therapy for shoulder stability, rotator-cuff and scapular strength, range of motion, and movement retraining, plus temporary changes to overhead or throwing activity.

When other care may be needed: Persistent instability, recurrent dislocation, mechanical catching, or sport-limiting symptoms may need imaging review and a shoulder surgeon’s opinion. Management depends on tear pattern, activity, and response to therapy.

Common questions

Questions about shoulder labral tear

What causes a shoulder labral tear?

Labral tears may result from acute injuries such as a fall or dislocation, repetitive overhead or throwing activity, or gradual wear with age. A tear on MRI does not always explain pain, so symptoms, examination and shoulder stability all matter.

What are the symptoms of a shoulder labral tear?

Symptoms may include catching, clicking or popping, deep shoulder pain with overhead activity, reduced strength or range of motion, and a feeling that the shoulder is slipping. Some labral tears are incidental findings, so the exam helps establish whether the tear explains symptoms.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for a shoulder labral tear?

Many labral tears are first managed with targeted rehabilitation for the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles, activity modification and pain control when appropriate. Physical therapy aims to improve stability and function; treatment depends on tear pattern, associated injuries and activity goals.

What regenerative options may help a shoulder labral tear?

Dr. Tortland may discuss ultrasound-guided injections only for selected associated pain sources as part of a rehabilitation-first plan. Injections do not reliably repair a labral tear. Large or unstable tears, recurrent dislocations or persistent functional loss may need surgical evaluation.