Labrum Injury Treatment

The labrum is a cartilage ring that sits within your shoulder socket, anchoring your shoulder and arm plays. It plays an essential role in the overall functionality and stability of the shoulder joint, allowing you to move freely and without pain. Any damage to the labrum can significantly reduce the range of motion and discomfort, which is why proper treatment is pivotal.

Timely intervention and treatment can prevent these complications and restore your shoulder’s health. At Mark Miller, MD’s practice, we use our expertise to provide personalized care to help patients regain mobility and return to normal activities pain-free. To see our frequently asked questions about Labrum injuries, visit our Labrum Tears resource page.

Causes of Labral Tears

Labral tears frequently stem from repetitive shoulder movements, commonly seen in baseball and volleyball. These activities involve abrupt and forceful motions, making them prime contributors to labral tears. Also, athletes who engage in repetitive overhead actions are more susceptible to developing labrum injuries.

Traction injuries can also result in labral tears. These injuries happen when a forceful push or pull stretches the joint, potentially damaging the labrum. Being mindful of these injuries is crucial, especially during physical activities with high-tension movements.

Heavy lifting is another common cause of labral tears. Lifting objects beyond an individual’s strength capacity can place undue stress on the shoulder and lead to a labrum injury.

Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tears

Symptoms of shoulder labral tears can significantly hamper your daily routines and activities. Pain in the front of the shoulder is a standard indicator of a labral tear. If you feel uncomfortable during specific movements or actions, it may indicate damage to your labrum.

Another symptom of a labral tear is joint catching. Patients often describe this as a ‘catching’ or ‘locking’ sensation in the shoulder joint. You may also experience a grinding noise or feeling, especially when you move the shoulder in specific ways.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to schedule an appointment with Mark Miller, MD.

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Diagnostic Tests

To accurately diagnose a labral tear, we may utilize several diagnostic tests. One such test is an X-ray. X-rays cannot display soft tissues such as the labrum. However, they can assist in ruling out fractures in the shoulder that may be the cause of pain and discomfort.

Another way to diagnose a labrum injury is an MRI, which provides a detailed view of the body’s soft tissues, including the labrum. This makes it an invaluable tool in detecting labral tears and formulating a suitable labrum injury treatment plan.

An MRI Arthrogram is an advanced form of MRI that is highly beneficial in confirming a labral tear diagnosis. Before taking the scan, a doctor will inject a special contrast dye into the shoulder joint as part of this technique. This dye enhances the visibility of the labrum, allowing a more detailed and precise interpretation.

Labrum Injury Treatment Options

Upon diagnosis, labrum injury treatment often hinges on the patient’s activity level and symptoms. Some people with mild symptoms can be treated without surgery, but those with severe or ongoing symptoms may need surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often the first step in labrum injury treatment. A physical therapist helps with exercises and movements to strengthen the shoulder joint and improve mobility. This treatment can alleviate the pain associated with labrum injuries and promote recovery, assisting patients in regaining their active lifestyles.

Medication

Medication can sometimes be a practical part of labrum injury treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for instance, can help reduce inflammation and pain in the shoulder. Always consult a healthcare professional like Mark Miller, MD, before starting any new medication.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections offer another non-surgical option for labrum injury treatment. These potent anti-inflammatory treatments injected directly into the shoulder joint relieve significant pain and inflammation. Doctors typically use these injections when conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication haven’t provided adequate relief.

Arthroscopic Surgery

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, arthroscopic surgery might be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is a less invasive procedure that makes minor cuts in the shoulder to fix a torn labrum using special tools. This form of labrum injury treatment can restore shoulder function and reduce pain, allowing individuals to return to normal activities.

Arthroscopic Surgery Success Rate

The success rate for arthroscopic surgery for labrum injury treatment is generally high. Studies indicate that around 85-90% of patients experience a significant reduction in pain and improved shoulder function following the procedure. The high success rate is a testament to the effectiveness of this minimally invasive surgical approach in treating labral tears.

Expert Labrum Injury Treatment by Dr. Mark Miller: Personalized Care for Lasting Relief

Dr. Mark Miller is an expert in treating labrum injuries, providing personalized and comprehensive care to every patient. With his extensive knowledge and experience in orthopedics, he is committed to offering viable treatment options that suit his patient’s unique needs and lifestyles. Dr. Miller’s approach is about treating the injury, ensuring long-term relief, and helping patients regain mobility and lead active lives.

Scheduling an appointment for labrum injury treatment with Dr. Mark Miller is the first step toward finding relief and restoring function. We invite you to take that step today and receive excellent care for your labrum injury. Mark Miller, MD, will offer the best treatment options and support you throughout your recovery.

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