Section 1
Overview
Key Facts & Overview
- [Definition & Medical Terminology](#definition--medical-terminology)
- [Anatomy & Body Systems Involved](#anatomy--body-systems-involved)
- [Types & Classifications](#types--classifications)
- [Causes & Root Factors](#causes--root-factors)
- [Risk Factors & Susceptibility](#risk-factors--susceptibility)
- [Signs, Characteristics & Patterns](#signs-characteristics--patterns)
- [Associated Symptoms & Connections](#associated-symptoms--connections)
- [Clinical Assessment & History](#clinical-assessment--history)
- [Medical Tests & Diagnostics](#medical-tests--diagnostics)
- [Differential Diagnosis](#differential-diagnosis)
- [Conventional Medical Treatments](#conventional-medical-treatments)
- [Integrative Treatments at Healers Clinic](#integrative-treatments-at-healers-clinic)
- [Self-Care & Home Remedies](#self-care--home-remedies)
- [Prevention & Risk Reduction](#prevention--risk-reduction)
- [When to Seek Help](#when-to-seek-help)
- [Prognosis & Expected Outcomes](#prognosis--expected-outcomes)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
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Quick Navigation
Definition & Medical TerminologyAnatomy & Body Systems InvolvedTypes & ClassificationsCauses & Root FactorsRisk Factors & SusceptibilitySigns, Characteristics & PatternsAssociated Symptoms & ConnectionsClinical Assessment & HistoryMedical Tests & DiagnosticsDifferential DiagnosisConventional Medical TreatmentsIntegrative Treatments at Healers ClinicSelf-Care & Home RemediesPrevention & Risk ReductionWhen to Seek HelpPrognosis & Expected OutcomesFrequently Asked Questions
Section 2
Definition & Terminology
Formal Definition
### Formal Medical Definition
A labral tear is a tear in the glenoid labrum, a fibrocartilaginous structure that deepens the shoulder socket and provides stability. SLAP tears involve the superior portion (at biceps anchor). Bankart tears involve the anterior-inferior portion (associated with anterior instability).
### Types
**SLAP Types I-X:** Various patterns of superior labrum damage
**Bankart Types:** Anterior/inferior labrum detachment
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Anatomy & Body Systems
Shoulder Labrum
- Fibrocartilaginous rim
- Deepens socket
- Biceps anchor
- Stability function
Types & Classifications
SLAP Classification
- Type I: Fraying only
- Type II: Complete tear (most common)
- Type III: Bucket-handle
- Type IV: Bucket-handle with biceps tear
Causes & Root Factors
Causes
- Throw ing motion
- Shoulder dislocation
- Fall on outstretched arm
- Repetitive overhead activity
- Traction injuries
Risk Factors
- Throwing sports
- Contact sports
- Previous dislocation
- Muscle weakness
Signs & Characteristics
Symptoms
- Shoulder pain
- Catching/locking
- Instability feeling
- Weakness
- Limited ROM
Conventional Treatments
Conservative
- Rest
- PT
- NSAIDs
- Activity modification
Surgical
- Labral repair
- Biceps tenodesis
Self Care
- Activity modification
- Ice
- Gentle movement
Prevention
- Shoulder strengthening
- Proper technique
- Adequate warm-up
Prognosis
- Good with treatment
- 4-9 months post-surgery
- May recur
FAQ
Can labral tears heal without surgery?
Some tears improve with PT. Surgery needed for instability.
Last Updated: 2026-03-10 Healers Clinic - Transformative Integrative Healthcare Contact: +971 56 274 1787