Feeling A Bit Unstable?
The shoulder is involved in almost every movement of the arm, every day. The joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons all work together for lifting, rotating, throwing, and much more. The shoulder joint depends on the tendons and ligaments for stability to function. Shoulder instability occurs when one or more of these elements are damaged. As a result, the joint can feel out of place. If the issue continues, a labral tear is one of the first injuries a doctor would suspect.
Beware of a labral tear
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that connects the upper arm to the chest and collarbone. Wrapped around the joint are a series of muscles and ligaments called the rotator cuff. Around the edge of the shoulder socket is the labrum, a thick, cup-like piece of cartilage. The labrum helps keep the ball in the socket and connects other tissues. Labral tears can be classified as SLAP tears and Bankart tears, which need medical help.
Signs and symptoms of shoulder instability
Labral tears, regardless of how serious, can lead to shoulder instability. With shoulder instability, the joint loses range of motion. Simple positions like raising the arm overhead, performing household tasks, or lifting items are problematic. The joint can pop out of place, weakening the shoulder. When that happens, pain, swelling, and a clicking or catching motion can occur. Look for these signs and speak with a doctor immediately.
Do you need surgery?
A doctor will perform a physical exam and x-ray to review the shoulder. Further tests like an MRI or CT scan can determine the degree of damage. From there, doctors can decide if surgery is necessary. The shoulder can benefit from non-surgical treatment such as immobilization in a sling in many cases. A combination of pain medication, physical therapy, and temperature therapy can help recover. If there is no relief after several weeks of treatment, surgery is best. Surgery is also helpful for athletes who want to get back to playing as quickly as possible.
Here’s what happens under the knife
Thanks to advancements in technology, shoulder repair happen under minimally invasive means. That means smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better outcomes. First, the surgeon uses arthroscopy to view the damaged ligaments. From there, the surgeon will reattach the ligament, stitch the labrum, or anchor the ligament to the bone. After surgery, patients often need 6-8 weeks of physical therapy to restore the full range of motion.
Take care of your shoulder
Shoulder instability due to labral tears can be painful. In many cases, labral tears could be the reason. Shoulder instability responds well to non-surgical means, but the doctor will suggest surgery if these fail. Repairing the ligament using minimally invasive surgery can help. If the shoulder feels unstable, speak with a doctor immediately.
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
