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
A few years ago I thought I had a labral tear, but the MRI was negative. However, without an arthrogram a small tear could have been missed. Anyway, my orthopedist recommended six months of PT before considering surgery. After about six months of daily RC exercises my shoulder began feeling better. I did not take any time off from swimming. No pain or clicking now.
A few years ago I thought I had a labral tear, but the MRI was negative. However, without an arthrogram a small tear could have been missed. Anyway, my orthopedist recommended six months of PT before considering surgery. After about six months of daily RC exercises my shoulder began feeling better. I did not take any time off from swimming. No pain or clicking now.
