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Contents
  • Understanding SLAP Tears
  • Common Causes and Risk Factors
  • Symptoms to Watch Out For

What is a SLAP Tear and How Does It Affect Your Shoulder?

What is a SLAP Tear and How Does It Affect Your Shoulder?

The Big Picture

SLAP tears are shoulder injuries that can cause pain and instability, especially for athletes and those who perform overhead activities. This article explores what SLAP tears are, their causes, and how they affect your daily life.
Contents
  • Understanding SLAP Tears
  • Common Causes and Risk Factors
  • Symptoms to Watch Out For

Understanding SLAP Tears

A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear is an injury to the top part of the shoulder socket, called the labrum. This fibrocartilaginous ring helps keep the shoulder joint stable, and when it's torn, the joint can become painful and unstable. SLAP tears are common among athletes who frequently use overhead motions like throwing a ball, as well as workers involved in repetitive overhead tasks.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

SLAP tears can occur from several causes, including acute injuries like falling on an outstretched arm or lifting heavy objects suddenly. They can also develop over time due to repetitive overhead motions, which place stress on the labrum. Certain sports, like baseball and volleyball, and occupations that involve frequent overhead work increase the risk of these tears.
A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear is an injury to the top part of the shoulder socket, affecting the labrum and resulting in pain and instability.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

The symptoms of a SLAP tear can vary, but common signs include shoulder pain, especially when moving the arm overhead, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder. Some people may hear a clicking or popping sound when moving their shoulder. If you experience persistent shoulder pain, especially after an injury, it may be time to see a doctor.

FAQs

What is a SLAP tear?

A SLAP tear is a shoulder injury involving a tear of the labrum from front to back.

Who is at risk for SLAP tears?

Athletes and workers who perform repetitive overhead motions are at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of a SLAP tear?

Common symptoms include shoulder pain and instability, especially during overhead activities.

Can a SLAP tear heal on its own?

Some SLAP tears may improve with rest and rehabilitation, but others may require treatment.

Wrapping Up

SLAP tears can significantly impact your shoulder function, and understanding them is key to effective management.
Get started by discussing your shoulder health with Doctronic for personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. Snyder SJ, Karzel RP, Del Pizzo W, et al. SLAP lesions of the shoulder. Arthroscopy 1990; 6:274.
  2. Kim TK, Queale WS, Cosgarea AJ, McFarland EG. Clinical features of the different types of SLAP lesions. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2003; 85-A:66.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.