Shoulder Labral Injury: Exercises and Rehabilitation Protocol.

INTRODUCTION:

Shoulder labral injuries are common in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead activities. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint, providing stability and cushioning. When injured, it can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility. Proper rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, and Physio360 specializes in designing effective rehab protocols tailored to individual needs.

Understanding Shoulder Labral Injuries.

Types of Labral Injuries.

• SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior): Common in athletes due to repetitive overhead motions.

• Bankart Lesion: Often associated with shoulder dislocations.

• Posterior Labral Tear: Less common, caused by trauma or repetitive stress.

  
  

Symptoms

• Deep shoulder pain, especially during overhead activities.

• Popping or clicking sounds.

• Shoulder instability.

• Loss of strength and range of motion.

  
  

Rehabilitation Goals

The primary goals of rehabilitation are:

• Reducing pain and inflammation.

• Restoring range of motion (ROM).

• Strengthening surrounding muscles for stability.

• Preventing re-injury.

At Physio360, our expert physiotherapists craft personalized plans to address these goals effectively.

Shoulder Labral Injury Rehabilitation Protocol.

Phase 1: Acute Phase (0-4 Weeks)

Focus: Pain management and gentle mobility.

• Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily.

• Pendulum Exercises: Gentle circular movements to maintain ROM.

• Isometric Shoulder Exercises: Static holds to activate muscles without movement.

  • Examples: Isometric shoulder abduction, and internal and external rotation.

• Postural Training: Focus on proper scapular alignment to reduce stress on the shoulder.

  
  

Phase 2: Intermediate Phase (4-8 Weeks)

Focus: Restore range of motion and initiate strength training.

• Active-Assisted ROM Exercises:

  • Wall slides.

  • Table slides.

  • Shoulder pulleys.

• Strengthening Exercises (Light Resistance):

  • Resistance band external and internal rotations.

  • Scapular retractions with resistance bands.

• Proprioception Training:

  • Ball stabilization on a wall.

  • Weight shifts in a plank position.

    
    

Phase 3: Advanced Strengthening Phase (8-12 Weeks)

Focus: Enhancing muscle strength and functional movements.

• Strength Training:

  • Dumbbell lateral raises.

  • Overhead presses (progressively increase load).

• Scapular Stability:

  • Push-ups with scapular protraction.

  • Serratus anterior activation exercises.

• Dynamic Movements:

  • Medicine ball throws.

  • Plyometric push-ups for athletes.

    
    

Phase 4: Return-to-Activity Phase (12+ Weeks)

Focus: Full functional recovery and sport-specific training.

• Sport-Specific Drills: Overhead throws for athletes or racket swings for tennis players.

• Functional Strength Training:

  • Incorporate compound lifts like rows and presses.

• Maintenance Exercises: Continue with a resistance band and scapular stability work to prevent re-injury.

  
  

Preventing Shoulder Labral Injuries

1. Warm-Up Properly: Always engage in dynamic stretches before physical activities.

2. Strengthen Rotator Cuff and Scapular Muscles: Focus on exercises stabilising the shoulder joint.

3. Avoid Overuse: Incorporate rest days into your routine.

4. Posture Correction: Maintain proper shoulder alignment during activities and rest.

   
   

Why Choose Physio360 for Shoulder Labral Injury Rehab?

At Physio360, we pride ourselves on offering:

• Expert Physiotherapists: Highly trained in shoulder rehabilitation.

• Customized Rehab Plans: Tailored to your specific injury and lifestyle.

• Advanced Techniques: Including manual therapy, dry needling, and functional training.

• Comprehensive Care: From pain relief to sport-specific training, we’re with you every step of the way.

  
  

Conclusion.

Recovering from a shoulder labral injury requires a structured approach and expert guidance. With the right combination of exercises and professional care, you can regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your shoulder. For the best shoulder rehabilitation in Chennai, trust Physio360 to guide your recovery journey. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free life!

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE :

1.Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) rehabilitation in the overhead athletehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/47699652_Superior_labrum_anterior_to_posterior_SLAP_rehabilitation_in_the_overhead_athlete

2.Rehabilitation Following Posterior Shoulder Stabilizationhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8168996/