SLAP Lesion (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Lesion)

The glenohumeral joint of the shoulder is the ball and socket joint. A SLAP lesion is an injury to the glenoid labrum (rim of fibrous cartilage attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity).

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Additional Information

Home Treatments

Use of anti-inflammatories (consult GP prior) may contribute to pain reduction
Apply ice locally
Home exercises as suggested by your physiotherapist
Avoidance of aggravating activities

Professional Medical Treatments

Clinical guidelines suggest that most athletes should be managed non-operatively. This is with the exception of unstable tears, dislocations or some types of rotator cuff tear injuries Throwing athletes in particular often fail to see return to previous performance levels
Arthroscopic repair in non-athletic populations are often extremely effective. Type I are treated with arthroscopic shaving, whereas Type II with arthroscopic fixation. Results are usually excellent in these populations, however with age, there is a larger chance of failure

Physical Therapy Exercises

Rehabilitation should follow a structured program of progressive strengthening exercises targeted at rotator cuff and other scapular muscles
Strengthening of the bicep should be extremely carefully progressed and implemented as appropriate. There should be an early protective phase of avoiding excessive load through the biceps. No resisted biceps strengthening should be completed in the first 8 weeks following surgery (with conservative strengthening thereafter)
End stages of rehabilitation should focus on higher loading of the biceps and optimal control of scapular stabilisers under high load