Slap Tear Rehab: Aspire Clinic’s Tailored Therapies

Debilitating shoulder injuries can reduce one's quality of life and interfere with everyday activities. A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) is one such injury that frequently affects sportsmen and those who perform repetitive overhead movements. A good recovery path depends on your ability to comprehend the subtleties of SLAP tear rehabilitation, regardless of whether you're a professional athlete or someone who just enjoys being active.

It is important to understand what a SLAP tear is before beginning therapy. The labrum is a cushioning and stabilizing ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. When the superior (upper) portion of the labrum sustains damage, such as from throwing or lifting repeatedly, it results in a SLAP rip.

PHASES OF REHABILITATION:

An organized method consisting of multiple phases, each specifically designed to target different areas of healing and recovery, is usually used in SLAP tear rehabilitation. The extent of the tear and other variables may cause individual protocols to differ, however the following is a broad overview of the rehabilitation process:

Preliminary Immobilization and Rest: The first stage after diagnosis is about immobilization and rest to minimize inflammation and pain. Wearing a sling to restrict shoulder movement and promote healing of the damaged tissues may be necessary for immobilization.

Exercises to Improve Range of Motion and Manage Pain: The focus switches to pain management strategies including ice therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication therapy (NSAIDs) once discomfort and inflammation have subsided. Initially, mild range-of-motion exercises are performed as part of physical therapy to keep the shoulder joint flexible and free from stiffness.

Training for Stability and Strength:

The rehabilitation process moves on to activities targeted at enhancing muscle endurance and balance as the shoulder becomes stronger and more stable. Resistance exercise with bands or small weights to target the specific muscle groups surrounding the shoulder joint may be part of this phase.

Practical Instruction and Resumption of Activities:

Functional training customized to the individual's unique demands and activity goals is the main focus of the last phase. To improve coordination and movement patterns, this may entail proprioceptive exercises, plyometric drills, and sport-specific training. To avoid re-injury, a gradual resumption to activities such as throwing or overhead lifting is closely supervised.

Principal Exercises and Methods:

Shoulder External Rotation: To strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and increase shoulder stability, engage in external rotation exercises with a resistance band or cable machine.

Scapular Retraction: To maintain good shoulder mechanics, concentrate on exercises like scapular retractions and rows that target the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade (scapula).

Core Strengthening: For general stability and injury prevention, strengthening the core muscles is crucial. Include exercises that strengthen the core and support the shoulder complex, such as planks and bridges.

Proprioceptive training: In shoulder rehabilitation, proprioception—the body's awareness of its position and movement—is essential. To enhance proprioceptive awareness, incorporate stability and balance exercises on unstable surfaces, such as foam pads or balance boards.

Stretching and Mobility Work: To release tension and enhance shoulder mobility, including stretches that focus on the chest, shoulders, and upper back. To improve range of motion and flexibility, concentrate on dynamic stretches and mobility exercises.\

Gradual Progression: It is important to go through rehabilitation activities step-by-step, building in complexity, duration, and intensity as tolerated. Rehab should not be rushed since this will impede recovery and raise the chance of re-injury.

Perseverance and Patience:

A SLAP rupture can be difficult to recover from and may need weeks or months of focused rehabilitation. Cherish little triumphs along the road while remaining patient and having faith in the process.

By Dr.Ayush Ranjan (Physiotherapist)