Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

What Is a Shoulder Labral Tear?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a shallow socket. The labrum makes the socket deeper and holds the ligaments and the biceps tendon in place. When it tears, the shoulder can lose some stability and the torn edge can catch during movement.

There are a few main types. A SLAP tear is at the top of the socket, where the biceps tendon attaches. It is common in people who throw or lift overhead. A Bankart tear is at the front and bottom of the socket. It usually happens when the shoulder dislocates (pops out). Wear-and-tear tears come with age and are often found along with rotator cuff tears or arthritis.

Symptoms of a Torn Labrum in the Shoulder

Labral tears can feel like other shoulder problems, such as shoulder tendonitis or impingement. An exam and an MRI are usually needed to confirm a labral tear. Sometimes dye is injected into the joint before the MRI to show the tear more clearly (an MR arthrogram).

Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment Without Surgery in Fort Lauderdale

Many labral tears, especially in people who have not had a dislocation, are treated first without surgery. Options at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale may include:

Stem Cells and PRP for a Labrum Tear: What to Know

Many people ask whether stem cell therapy can treat a torn labrum. Here is an honest answer. The labrum has a poor blood supply, so it heals slowly on its own. Doctors sometimes use PRP or treatments made from your own bone marrow or fat tissue for labral tears. The aim is to help with pain and joint health, together with rehab.

There is still not much research on injections for labral tears. No injection has been shown to reattach a torn labrum. These treatments are not right for every tear, for example when the shoulder keeps dislocating. Dr. Gonzalez reviews your MRI and exam to tell you whether a treatment made from your own cells makes sense for your shoulder. IROSM uses only your own cells, prepared in our Advanced Regenerative Lab.

Learn more about stem cell therapy in Fort Lauderdale, stem cell treatment for the shoulder and stem cell therapy rules in the United States.

When Is Labral Tear Surgery Considered?

Surgery is more often considered when the shoulder has dislocated more than once or feels unstable. It is also considered for overhead athletes who cannot get back to their sport, or when pain and catching continue after a full course of rehab. In arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, the surgeon repairs or trims the torn labrum through small cuts. If surgery is the better fit for you, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Labral Tears at IROSM

Can a shoulder labral tear heal on its own?

Can stem cells treat a torn labrum?

Is PRP used for shoulder labral tears?

What is a SLAP tear?

When is surgery needed for a torn labrum?

Is labral tear treatment covered by insurance?

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?

Get a Clear Plan for Your Shoulder

Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to review your MRI and find the right treatment for your shoulder labral tear.