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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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SLAP Tears (Shoulder Labrum Tear)
SLAP tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) are tears of the cartilage rim at the top of the shoulder socket where the biceps tendon attaches - they commonly occur in overhead athletes from repetitive throwing or in older adults from degeneration, causing deep shoulder pain, clicking, and weakness with overhead activities, with treatment ranging from physiotherapy for mild degenerative tears to arthroscopic surgery for young athletes with Type II tears.
đWhat is SLAP Tears (Shoulder Labrum Tear)?
SLAP tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) are tears of the cartilage rim at the top of the shoulder socket where the biceps tendon attaches - they commonly occur in overhead athletes from repetitive throwing or in older adults from degeneration, causing deep shoulder pain, clicking, and weakness with overhead activities, with treatment ranging from physiotherapy for mild degenerative tears to arthroscopic surgery for young athletes with Type II tears.
đŦWhat Causes It?
- Repetitive overhead throwing motion (baseball pitchers, tennis servers, volleyball players)
- Acute trauma (falling onto outstretched arm, shoulder dislocation pulling biceps tendon)
- Degenerative wear in older adults (fraying of labrum over time)
- Single traumatic event (lifting heavy object, motor vehicle accident with bracing)
- Combination of repetitive microtrauma plus acute injury
â ī¸Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Overhead throwing athletes (baseball pitchers highest risk)
- Age over 40 years (degenerative SLAP tears more common)
- Previous shoulder instability or dislocation
- Occupations requiring repetitive overhead work
- Poor throwing mechanics or shoulder muscle imbalances
đĄī¸Prevention
- âProper throwing mechanics and coaching for overhead athletes
- âGradual progression of throwing volume (avoid sudden increases in pitch counts)
- âStrengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
- âAddress muscle imbalances (weak external rotators, tight posterior capsule)
- âAdequate rest between throwing sessions