How Physiotherapy Can Help with a SLAP Tear
Shoulder pain can be frustrating — especially when it starts to impact your training, sleep, or everyday activities.
One possible cause of ongoing shoulder pain is a SLAP tear, a type of injury to the labrum within the shoulder joint. The good news is that in many cases, physiotherapy can play a key role in recovery and returning to activity.
💡 What Is a SLAP Tear?
A SLAP tear stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilise the shoulder joint. A SLAP tear occurs at the top of this cartilage, where the biceps tendon attaches.
This type of injury is commonly seen in:
• Overhead athletes (e.g. CrossFit, swimming, tennis)
• Individuals performing repetitive lifting
• Those who have experienced trauma (such as a fall onto the arm)
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Symptoms of a SLAP tear can vary, but often include:
• Deep shoulder pain
• Clicking or catching sensations
• Pain with overhead movements
• Weakness or reduced performance
• Discomfort when lying on the shoulder
🧠 Why Physiotherapy Is So Important
Not all SLAP tears require surgery. In fact, many patients can successfully manage symptoms and return to activity through physiotherapy.
The aim of physiotherapy is to:
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve shoulder stability
• Restore strength and control
• Correct movement patterns
🏋️♂️ What Treatment May Involve
At Wimborne Wellness Centre, physiotherapy for a SLAP tear is tailored to the individual, but may include:
1️⃣ Strengthening the Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff muscles play a key role in stabilising the shoulder. Strengthening these helps reduce strain on the labrum.
2️⃣ Scapular (Shoulder Blade) Control
Poor shoulder blade control can place additional stress on the joint. Improving this helps optimise movement and reduce irritation.
3️⃣ Gradual Return to Loading
Whether it’s gym-based training or daily activities, we guide patients through a progressive return to loading, ensuring the shoulder can tolerate increased demand safely.
4️⃣ Movement Retraining
We assess how you move — particularly with overhead or lifting movements — and correct any compensations that may be contributing to your symptoms.
5️⃣ Pain Management Techniques
This may include manual therapy, soft tissue work, and advice on activity modification to help reduce symptoms during recovery.
⏳ How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the tear and individual factors, but many patients see improvement within:
👉 6–12 weeks of consistent rehabilitation
Patience and consistency are key — the shoulder needs time to regain strength and control.
🔄 When Is Further Investigation Needed?
In some cases, if symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, further input such as imaging or orthopaedic referral may be considered.
However, physiotherapy is often the first and most effective step in managing a SLAP tear.
💜 Supporting Your Return to Activity
At Wimborne Wellness Centre, our goal is not just to reduce pain, but to help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Whether you’re:
• Training in the gym
• Playing sport
• Or simply wanting to move comfortably day-to-day
We take a structured, individual approach to your recovery.
📩 How to Get Started
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a SLAP tear, we’d be happy to help.
📞 Call: 01202 604707
📧 Email: admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk