Chiropractic Treatment of a Glenoid Labrum Tear
How can we tell if the pain is a Glenoid Labrum Tear?
A Glenoid Labrum Tear will cause a sharp deep pain in the shoulder during motion. There can also be a feeling of stuckness and a painful clunking or clicking sound during motion.
Why do we get a Glenoid Labrum Tear?
The shoulder is naturally a more unstable joint than other joints in the body. The glenoid labrum is made of cartilage that helps keep the shoulder joint in place. Repetitive activities that put stress on the shoulder joint like throwing, swimming, or racquet swings can cause the labrum to tear. A specific acute trauma, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, can cause a Glenoid Labrum Tear as well.
How does Chiropractic help individuals recover from a Glenoid Labrum Tear?
When the joints of the shoulder are out of alignment, they can irritate the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves associated with the misaligned area. Your local San Diego chiropractor will examine the shoulder, and depending on the results, your chiropractor will determine if a specific chiropractic adjustment to the shoulder is necessary. In addition, your chiropractor will analyze the muscular balance of your shoulder and surrounding structures and give stretches/exercises to help balance these areas.
Your chiropractor will also examine the spinal segments of the neck. Misalignment in the neck may cause imbalances in the muscles and nerves of the shoulder, contributing to a Glenoid Labrum Tear. If there is a segment misaligned in the neck, it will be gently moved back into place using a specific chiropractic adjustment.
How do individuals recover from a Glenoid Labrum Tear?
The first step to recovery is to be evaluated and, if needed, adjusted by your local San Diego chiropractor. After this, your chiropractor will show you exercises and stretches to balance the muscles that surround and protect your shoulder and help the joint to stabilize.
Stretches and strengthening for Glenoid Labrum Tears
It is important to stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint to help balance and stabilize the shoulder. Be sure to stretch both sides, but focus more on the affected side. Stretches for this injury should be recommended on a case by case basis depending on the location of the tear. Videos are forthcoming as a reference.