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
Define "core" work please.
I am also suffering from a "slap tear" and had to quit swimming.
John Smith
Core - your abs, back, and legs basically.
Lots of pilates type stuff. There's a ton of stuff you can do with the swiss balls/those big workout balls - ab work, planks on your elbows if you shoulder hurts to do them on your hands - or knees and elbows.
Strengthening your legs especially your quads and hammys. Working on things like posture.
I know my tear was small and it took a few months out of the water (even kicking hurt - even with my arms at my side) and three sessions a week with a shoulder guru before it was better. I had a PT that's a swimmer look at all 4 strokes and tweak them to take the stress off of my shoulder.
Building core strength will help a ton. If you have more questions I'm sure others (or I) can clarify/help.
Define "core" work please.
I am also suffering from a "slap tear" and had to quit swimming.
John Smith
Core - your abs, back, and legs basically.
Lots of pilates type stuff. There's a ton of stuff you can do with the swiss balls/those big workout balls - ab work, planks on your elbows if you shoulder hurts to do them on your hands - or knees and elbows.
Strengthening your legs especially your quads and hammys. Working on things like posture.
I know my tear was small and it took a few months out of the water (even kicking hurt - even with my arms at my side) and three sessions a week with a shoulder guru before it was better. I had a PT that's a swimmer look at all 4 strokes and tweak them to take the stress off of my shoulder.
Building core strength will help a ton. If you have more questions I'm sure others (or I) can clarify/help.
