What are the symptoms of a SLAP lesion and how is it diagnosed?

A person with a SLAP lesion may present with a deep seated shoulder pain, which becomes worse with throwing activities or overhead motions. The person may experience pain or discomfort at the front aspect of the shoulder (when bending the elbow or turning the wrist) or if the bicep tendon is also involved. The person may complain of the shoulder "catching" as well. SLAP lesions can cause decreased function/range of motion, secondary to the pain initiated with movement. Diagnosis of this injury can be difficult. It is determined with a series of diagnostic tests as well as the physical examination, the clinical history provided by the patient (complaints, symptoms and how the injury occurred) and a contrast MRI scan.

What are the treatments for a SLAP lesion?

Most SLAP injuries respond well to non-invasive or non-surgical treatment, including rest, anti-inflammatory medication (oral and inject able), and physical therapy. Physical therapy involves stretching and muscle strengthening exercises to target the muscles surrounding the shoulder (i.e rotator cuff, deltoids, bicep). Other therapeutic modalities include heat (prior to stretching) and cold application, via ice packs or ice massage (after activity) to help reduce pain and swelling.  

Certain patients, especially those who need to continue with repetitive overhead activities, may continue to experience pain despite undergoing a proper physical therapy program. When symptoms do not go away after 6 weeks of conservative treatment, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. The surgeon may remove the torn portion of the labrum, reattach it down to the shoulder socket, or perform a procedure that cuts the bicep tendon at it insertion and reinserts it in another area.

After surgery, the patient will need complete bed rest and must avoid activities involving the treated area. After a period of rest, the doctor will likely recommend specialized physical therapy to help restore the shoulder's strength and full range of motion.