HOW IS A SLAP TEAR TREATED?
So you’ve decided to see a specialist for your shoulder pain. What happens next
Depending on the pattern of the tear and your symptoms, SLAP tears can be treated in several ways. Most commonly, they’re repaired with arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure during which the surgeon mends the damaged labrum through a pin hole incision.
Alternatively, your orthopedic specialist might recommend physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications for the affected shoulder. While it is not common that a SLAP tear heals on its own, physical therapy can sometimes alleviate symptoms if the tear is small and the shoulder is stable.
HOW WE PERFORM SLAP TEAR SURGERY
As with any arthroscopic surgery, our surgeons make a few small pin hole incisions through which to view and repair the damaged labrum and biceps tendon. If the tendon is involved or has been detached, every effort is made to repair the labrum and stabilize the tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum, the unhealthy torn flap of the labrum will be trimmed. With this minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, we avoid injuries to surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Leon E. Popovitz, MD, our co-founder, has an exceptionally high success rate, and his rehab program includes a much shorter post-op immobilization period than many other programs (one week compared to the standard four).
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A SLAP TEAR SURGERY
We will be with you every step of the way during your recovery period, ensuring that you can get back to the sports and physical activities you love as quickly as possible.
Our surgeons will closely monitor your progress after the procedure. For the first week (or up to four weeks, depending on the severity of damage), we’ll provide you with a sling to keep your arm immobilized and, if needed, prescribe pain medication. Within two to three days of the procedure, we’ll connect you with a physical therapist who will follow our directed program specifically designed to meet your needs. Physical therapy will be gentle during the first month post-op. After four weeks, PT exercises will advance, focusing on strengthening the muscles and improving your range of motion.
Your first follow up appointment with your surgeon is one week after surgery, then every six weeks until you are fully recovered and ready to return to your full range of activities. During these appointments, your doctor will examine the stability of the repair and your progress towards regaining strength and range of motion. At every step of the process, we provide the care and close attention you’d expect from your devoted orthopedic surgeon.
SLAP TEAR SURGERY RECOVERY TIME
Recovery time will vary for each patient, but in general, patients feel comfortable performing day-to-day tasks within a few weeks of surgery.
Full recovery takes a bit longer: optimal strength is generally restored to the labrum at five months. Strenuous lifting is not allowed before this milestone.
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EXPERIENCING PAIN? DO YOU HAVE AN INJURY?
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Frequently Asked Questions About SLAP Tear Surgery
How long does it take to recover from SLAP tear surgery?
Recovery from SLAP tear surgery varies by individual, but most patients can perform light daily activities within 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Full recovery, where the labrum regains optimal strength and stability, typically takes about 5 months. During the first week, your arm will be immobilized in a sling, with some patients requiring up to 4 weeks of immobilization depending on the extent of the damage.
Physical therapy begins within 2-3 days after surgery, starting with gentle exercises and progressing to more intensive strengthening after the first month. Athletes and those returning to overhead sports or heavy lifting should expect 5-6 months before clearance for full activity. Following your surgeon’s post-operative protocol closely is essential for achieving the best outcome and avoiding re-injury.
Can a SLAP tear heal without surgery?
While it’s uncommon for a SLAP tear to heal completely on its own due to the limited blood supply in the labrum, small tears with minimal symptoms may improve with conservative treatment. Physical therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications can sometimes alleviate pain and restore function if the tear is minor and the shoulder remains stable.
Conservative treatment typically involves 6-12 weeks of targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles, which can help stabilize the shoulder joint.
However, larger tears, tears causing significant instability, or those affecting active individuals or athletes typically require surgical repair for optimal outcomes. Your orthopedic specialist will evaluate the size and location of your tear, your activity level, and your symptoms to determine whether conservative treatment is appropriate or if arthroscopic surgery is necessary.
What is arthroscopic SLAP tear surgery and how is it performed?
Arthroscopic SLAP tear surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs the damaged labrum and biceps tendon through small “pinhole” incisions rather than a large open cut. Your surgeon inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through 2-3 small incisions around your shoulder, allowing them to view and repair the injury while preserving surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
During the procedure, the surgeon either reattaches the torn labrum to the bone using small anchors and sutures, or trims away damaged tissue that cannot be repaired. If the biceps tendon is involved or detached, every effort is made to stabilize or reattach it. The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery results in less pain, smaller scars, reduced risk of infection, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery, allowing most patients to go home the same day.
When can I return to sports or physical activities after SLAP tear surgery?
Return to sports and physical activities follows a structured timeline based on healing stages and your specific activity demands. Light, non-impact activities and gentle range-of-motion exercises begin within days of surgery under physical therapy guidance.
Most patients can return to desk work within 1-2 weeks and light recreational activities within 6-8 weeks. However, overhead activities, contact sports, and heavy lifting require significantly more time. Athletes typically need 5-6 months before being cleared for full sports participation, as this is when the labrum reaches optimal strength and stability. Overhead athletes like baseball pitchers, tennis players, or swimmers may require additional sport-specific rehabilitation before returning to competition.
Your surgeon will evaluate your progress through follow-up appointments at 1 week, 6 weeks, and regularly thereafter, assessing shoulder stability, strength, and range of motion before clearing you for each activity level. Returning to activities too quickly can compromise your repair and lead to re-injury.
