What are the symptoms?

As mentioned, SLAP tears can occur suddenly, through trauma or develop slowly through
repeated stress.

Often if the injury develops over time, patients can be unaware they have sustained a tear and the injury doesn’t have a significant impact on their pain or function.

Pre-existing SLAP tears can however, place more tension on the long head of biceps tendon,
leading to overuse disorders as a secondary complication.

When the tear occurs through a sudden action or trauma, symptoms can be more marked.
Sufferers often notice pain deep in the shoulder joint with overhead shoulder movements, a
feeling of weakness, loss of power and/or accuracy with throwing activities.

Some people may notice a popping or clicking sensation and occasionally the shoulder may give way.

In severe tears, the shoulder might feel unstable and even be at increased risk of dislocation.

How can physiotherapy help?

Your physiotherapist is able to help diagnose a suspected SLAP tear and send you for further imaging if needed.

SLAP tears are often graded by severity from I to IV as a way to guide treatment.

Physiotherapy is usually recommended as a trial for all tears before considering surgical repair and in many cases can effectively help patients return to their previous activities, symptom-free.

If physiotherapy is unsuccessful, surgical repair with a full rehabilitation program is recommended.

Surgery will usually either repair the tear or reattach the biceps tendon to the
humerus (tenodesis). Following surgery, a period of rest in a sling is required before
rehabilitation can begin.