Your shoulder hurts when you throw or reach overhead. Your MRI says SLAP tear. This guide explains what it is in simple language.
Causes and what is happening inside your body
SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. The labrum is fibrocartilage around the shoulder socket. A SLAP tear is a tear in the top portion. It happens from overhead throwing, falls, or gradual degeneration.
🏏 Who gets SLAP tears: Cricketers, badminton players, swimmers, and anyone who falls on an outstretched arm.
How to recognise this condition — and when to see a doctor urgently
⚠️ See a doctor urgently if: Shoulder dislocation with suspected labral tear · Progressive weakness
What you can do to reduce your risk and protect yourself
Treatment options from simple home care to specialist treatment
Low grade SLAP tears: physiotherapy and PRP — many resolve without surgery. High grade in young athletes: arthroscopic repair. In older patients with degenerative tears — physiotherapy and PRP usually sufficient.
💡 Many SLAP tears do not need surgery. Surgery is reserved for young throwing athletes who failed conservative treatment.
Step-by-step exercises selected by Dr. Sumit
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. These exercises can be done at home without any equipment.
5 exercises · Step-by-step · Animated · English / Hindi / Telugu
What I tell every patient who comes to me with this condition
"SLAP tears are commonly overdiagnosed. I treat the patient — not the MRI. Clinical examination is more valuable than the report alone."
— Dr. Sumit Dubewar · DABRM (USA) · Secunderabad
Book a consultation with Dr. Sumit. Get an honest assessment and the right treatment plan for your condition.
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