Glenohumeral Labral Tears

Glenohumeral Labral Tears: A Guide To Shoulder Health

Shoulder pain and instability can be frustrating—especially if you enjoy sports, gym training, or active work. One common culprit is a tear of the glenoid labrum. Understanding what it is, how it’s injured, and what you can do about it is the first step to recovery.

What Is The Labrum?

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is a “ball-and-socket” joint, but unlike the hip, the socket is quite shallow. The shoulder is unique in its ability to achieve a large range of motion, however this comes at a cost of reduced intrinsic stability. The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that deepens this socket, acting like a bumper to keep the ball (humerus) centred. 

It also provides attachment for key ligaments and the biceps tendon, making it essential for stability and smooth movement.

Think of it like a golf ball on a tee—the labrum deepens the divot in the golf tee which helps keep the ball in place.

labrum tear anatomy

How Is The Labrum Different From Other Tissues?

  • Bone heals well thanks to a strong blood supply.
  • Ligaments/tendons can repair slowly.
  • The labrum has very limited blood supply, which means healing on its own is difficult.

This is why some tears need structured rehab and, in certain cases, surgery.

How Do Labral Tears Happen?

Labral injuries can occur in different ways:

  • Trauma: falls, shoulder dislocation, or sudden pulling injuries

  • Repetitive strain: overhead sports like throwing, swimming, or weightlifting

  • Degeneration: gradual wear and tear with age, leading to fraying

Signs & Symptoms

Every case is a little different, but common complaints include:

  • Deep, hard-to-localise shoulder pain

  • Clicking, catching, or popping inside the joint

  • Feeling of looseness or instability

  • Pain with overhead or behind-the-back movements

  • Reduced power for throwing, pressing, or lifting

shoulder pain

Will it Heal On Its Own?

Small degenerative tears may settle with rehab, but true healing of the labrum is limited because of poor blood supply. Many people do very well with physiotherapy/chiropractic care, but larger traumatic tears (like SLAP or Bankart lesions) may require surgical repair if conservative treatment doesn’t help.

Imaging

  • MRI with contrast (MR arthrogram) is the gold standard for diagnosing labral tears.

  • X-rays help check for bone involvement but won’t show the labrum itself.

  • Ultrasound is not reliable for labral injuries.

Clinical testing in the clinic guides whether imaging or referral is needed.

Treatment Options

Conservative Management (first line):

  • Pain management & load modification
  • Rehab exercises targeting rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers

  • Proprioception & stability training to retrain shoulder control

  • Gradual return-to-sport programs

When Surgery Is Considered:

  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability

  • Athletes who need overhead power and stability

  • Persistent pain or dysfunction after 3–6 months of structured rehab

Post-surgery, rehab is critical to restore movement, strength, and confidence.

Get The Right Treatment With Spinal & Sports Care

Labral tears can’t always “heal” on their own, but with the right plan, most people regain excellent shoulder function. Conservative care is the first step — surgery is only needed in select cases. If you’ve been struggling with shoulder pain, clicking, or instability, getting assessed early can make all the difference.

At Spinal and Sports Care, we’re here to help every step of the way. Reach out to our team today for a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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