Anyone ever had a torn shoulder labrum?

I'm here writing because I'm in a lot of pain and was actually looking for support groups. I was diagnosed almost 3 weeks ago with a probably torn shoulder labrum (SLAP tear). I have had shoulder issues in that shoulder for at least 3 years. I had PT for it a little over 2 years ago, which did help. Then 6 months ago (or more), it was bothering me, and it felt different this time. I went back to PT, but after the 2nd session I woke up in excruciating pain (over 3 weeks ago) and am still not close to back to baseline--despite pretty much round the clock OTC pain meds, a short course of oral steroids, and even a cortisone shot right before I started PT. I'm scheduled to have surgery in about 4 weeks, but am scared of the recovery. I'm beginning to think that's the best option.
I guess I'm looking to hear others who have gone through something similar, and hopefully hear some success stories.

Replies

  • DJill68
    DJill68 Posts: 63 Member
    I can’t relate to shoulder but I had/ have bilateral labrum tears in my hips. I had surgery on one hip and months of PT. It was a rough recovery and 2 years later, I would say the pain is about only slightly less than before surgery. I’m not completely sure it’s not torn again. I have no idea how either tears happened. I never went back for the other hip because the end result wasn’t what I’d hoped. I also have bilateral hip bursitis. I’m sure I will need hip replacements at some point. Just trying to get by till then.
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    My husband had surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder. His was a sudden injury...he got hit by a car.

    It is kind of a long recovery...just be sure to do all the PT that you are prescribed, and do the "homework" that the therapist gives you. It may be close to a year before it feels totally normal.

    5 years later, my husband hasn't had any more problems or pain from it, so surgery was definitely the way to go for him.

    I hope you get good results as well.
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,009 Member
    Not the shoulder but I did tear the labrum in my hip. Had surgery. Recovery was not fun but it did end and I am stronger now than when I went in. Chin up, hang in there. This too shall pass...
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,986 Member
    Something is damaged in my shoulder after a proximal humerus fracture (and ORIF). I don't know what, but seeing a shoulder specialist again tomorrow to discuss on what to do. Certainly metal removal because I constantly get inflammation above it. and yeah, I guess they'll figure out what else is broken then.
  • bdaniel230
    bdaniel230 Posts: 1 Member
    My left shoulder labrum was torn so they gave me an injection in it. Which helped quite a lot but I have had to have surgery, and I am glad I had it. Yes, there was a 6-week recovery and physical therapy but I have had no issues for the past 20 years. I hike and swim and have no problems and complete range of motion.