03/26/2026
🏋️♂️ Shoulder Pain or Instability? It Might Be a Labrum Tear.
The shoulder labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps form the “socket” of the shoulder joint. When it’s injured, the shoulder can feel painful, weak, or unstable — especially with lifting or overhead movements.
Labral tears can happen from a single traumatic event or develop gradually from repetitive stress.
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⚠️ Common Causes
✔ Traumatic injuries (dislocation, heavy lifting, falls on an outstretched arm)
✔ Repetitive overhead motions (throwing, serving, lifting)
✔ Muscle weakness or pre-existing joint instability
A common type of labral injury is a SLAP tear, often seen in baseball, softball, and other overhead athletes.
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🚩 Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
• Pain at the top of the shoulder
• Popping, catching, or clunking with movement
• One-sided shoulder weakness
• Feeling like the shoulder may “slip” or pop out
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💪 How Physical Therapy Helps
For many labral tears, conservative care works — especially when addressed early.
At Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy, treatment may include:
✔ Hands-on manual therapy to reduce pain
✔ Strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
✔ Stretching to correct movement imbalances
✔ Postural education to reduce strain
✔ A customized home exercise program
If surgery is needed, physical therapy is also essential before and after surgery to restore strength, motion, and function safely.
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👉 If your shoulder feels painful, weak, or unstable, don’t guess.
Call 503-537-7070 to schedule a FREE injury screening and talk directly with a physical therapist.
🌐 advancedorthopt.com
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At AOPT in Newberg, our mission is to provide the highest quality of care for patients of all ages and ability levels through our one-on-one intervention. It is our goal to help you achieve yours and return to you to your highest level of function.