My doctor thinks I have a labral tear. It may not be torn too badly since apparently it wasn't obvious on the MRI. I took three months off of swimming before seeing the doctor - I figured it would get better on its own, but it didn't.
I've done about 4 weeks of physical therapy and will do another two before seeing the doctor again. My range of motion and rotator cuff muscle strength have definitely improved, but the impingement pain and shoulder clicking during freestyle recovery motion is still there. My doctor suggested that after 6 weeks of physical therapy he'd have a better idea if surgery would be necessary. Two weeks to go...
In searching this and other forums, it seems that physical therapy doesn't do the trick for most swimmers with labral tears, and they end up in surgery. Or maybe those that choose surgery just like to post more about it?
If you've recovered from a labral tear without surgery, let me know! I'm willing to do many more months of physical therapy if I think I can avoid surgery!
Brian
Parents
Former Member
I had a SLAP tear and didn't have surgery. (Natalie Coughlin also tore her laburm and I think rotator cuff and didn't have surgery) LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of core work. You can definitely do it - I would suggest taking time off of swimming and just kick while you are rehabbing at least for the first 4-6 weeks. I found that through rehab and tinkering with my stroke to make it more from the core that I was able to come back pain free. You might want to find a knowledgeable coach or PT that knows swimming and have them review your stroke and see what changes can be made to take the pressure off of your shoulder.
Define "core" work please.
I am also suffering from a "slap tear" and had to quit swimming.
John Smith
Reply
Former Member
I had a SLAP tear and didn't have surgery. (Natalie Coughlin also tore her laburm and I think rotator cuff and didn't have surgery) LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of core work. You can definitely do it - I would suggest taking time off of swimming and just kick while you are rehabbing at least for the first 4-6 weeks. I found that through rehab and tinkering with my stroke to make it more from the core that I was able to come back pain free. You might want to find a knowledgeable coach or PT that knows swimming and have them review your stroke and see what changes can be made to take the pressure off of your shoulder.
Define "core" work please.
I am also suffering from a "slap tear" and had to quit swimming.
John Smith
