What is a SLAP Tear?
If you’re dealing with a deep, persistent pain in your shoulder, and have been diagnosed with a “SLAP tear,” you may have had it discussed with you that you have a specific type of injury to the labrum—the ring of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. A SLAP tear, which stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior, happens at the top part of this cartilage, right where one of your biceps tendons attaches.
This kind of tear can happen suddenly from a fall or an accident, but it’s also common from the wear and tear of repetitive overhead motions. That’s why athletes in sports like baseball, swimming, and tennis are often affected.
Signs, Symptoms, and Common Causes
The symptoms of a SLAP tear can be tricky because they often mimic other shoulder problems. You might feel a dull or aching pain deep inside the joint, especially when you’re lifting something overhead or reaching behind your back. Many people also report a mechanical sensation in their shoulder—a feeling of locking, popping, catching, or grinding with certain movements. You might also notice a decrease in your shoulder’s strength and range of motion, making it hard to perform tasks that once felt easy.
A Look at Traditional Treatment Options
When you’re diagnosed with a SLAP tear, the traditional treatment path often starts with conservative measures like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. For many, this is enough to manage the symptoms. However, if the pain persists, surgery is frequently recommended to repair the torn cartilage. While surgery can be effective for some, it’s a significant step with a long recovery period. Research has shown that the success rates for SLAP repair surgery are not always guaranteed, leaving a number of patients still searching for relief. This is why many people are now exploring less invasive, regenerative options that work with the body’s natural healing processes.
Stem cell therapy
There is not much published research on stem cell therapy for tears of the shoulder labrum. Clinically and empirically some doctors report patients with labrum tears who were able to reduce pain and avoid surgery. We have published research on: Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears with bone marrow concentrate and whole bone marrow injections.
Free phone consultation for your shoulder pain questions
In our practice, Bone Marrow Aspirate or bone marrow derived Stem Cell Therapy is a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. We treat degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease of the spine, and tendon and ligament injury. With almost three decades of experience, Dr. Marc Darrow and his team are pioneers in regenerative treatments, offering expert insights and personalized care tailored to your needs.
Schedule a free phone consultation today and receive our exclusive Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell & PRP Quick Start Guide —a digital resource packed with:
- Insights into Stem Cell & PRP Therapy
- Research-backed treatments for chronic tendon injuries, joint pain, arthritis, and sports injuries
Take the first step toward a pain-free, active life today.
Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D., is one of the world’s most experienced Regenerative Medicine doctors. He has more than 30 Years of expertise in regenerative medicine techniques and has treated thousands of patients. He uses non-surgical therapy to reduce pain in joints, tendons, ligaments, and a variety of other ailments and disorders throughout the body, including back and neck discomfort. He taught at UCLA and received Board Certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
