Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Raleigh, NC
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. A ‘ball’ at the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) fits neatly into a ‘socket’, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The term SLAP (superior: labrum anterior-posterior) lesion or SLAP tear refers to an injury of the superior labrum of the shoulder. The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid for stabilization of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder joint at the superior labrum of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon is a long cord-like structure that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps to stabilize the joint.
Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics. Duke-trained non-surgical orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan, is dedicated to making sure that patients receive access to non-surgical treatments for labral tears. Dr. Kanaan will take the time to answer any questions you may have so that he can determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our orthopedic clinic in Raleigh at (919) 719-2270 and schedule an appointment today!
What Can Cause a Shoulder Labral Tear?
The most common causes include falling on an outstretched arm, repetitive overhead actions such as throwing, and lifting a heavy object. Overhead and contact sports may put you at a greater risk of developing SLAP tears.
What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tears?
The most common symptom is pain at the top of the shoulder joint. In addition, catching sensation and pain most often with activities such as throwing may also occur.
How Does Dr. Kanaan Diagnose Patients With Shoulder Labral Tears?
Diagnosis is made based on the symptoms and physical examination. A regular MRI scan may not show up a SLAP tear and therefore an MRI with a contrast dye injected into the shoulder, is ordered. The contrast dye helps to highlight SLAP tears.
How Does Dr. Kanaan Treat Patients With Shoulder Labral Tears?
Nonsurgical Treatment in Raleigh NC
At Wake Non-Surgical Ortho, Dr. Kanaan specializes in providing non-surgical treatment options for patients suffering from shoulder labral tears. Many patients have success with nonsurgical treatment.
Rest: The first step toward recovery is to give your arm proper rest. This means that you will have to stop participation in sports or heavy work activities for several weeks.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines: Drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: Specific exercises are helpful for strengthening the muscles of the shoulder.
Steroid injections: Steroids, such as cortisone, are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Your doctor may decide to inject the painful area in to your joint with a steroid to relieve your symptoms.
PRP Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used for its effectiveness in speeding the healing of a variety of injuries. PRP is a preparation developed from a patient’s own blood. It contains a high concentration of proteins called growth factors that are very important in the healing of injuries. There is some data currently that supports the use of PRP for labral tears.
Schedule an Appointment for Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment
Dr. Kanaan is highly trained to diagnose & treat shoulder labral tears. He will help discover the best treatment option for you. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office in Raleigh, NC at (919) 719-2270.