Shockwave Therapy for A Shoulder Labral Tear
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment option for a type I shoulder labral tear particularly for pain relief, promoting soft tissue healing in surrounding structures. For types II, III and IV post-surgery it can aid in improving function.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, and exercise rehabilitation, it can provide a comprehensive approach that addresses the symptoms and makes it faster and easier for clients to return to their normal activities. For a pricise diagnosis a MRI scan is advised.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is A Shoulder Labral Tear?
A shoulder labral tear occurs when the glenoid labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, and in some cases, the bicep tendon, is damaged. This tear can be due to direct trauma, overuse, shoulder dislocation, or degeneration with age. Symptoms include popping, catching, grinding sensation; pain with lifting objects; pain with lifting arm above head; reduced shoulder strength.
Types of labral tears:
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SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior)
Occur in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities, after a fall on an outstretched arm, or forceful movement of the arm with a heavy object. Chronic injury is the most common cause. Type I - Degenerative fraying; Type II - Detachment of superior labrum; Type III - Bucket-handle tear of labrum; Type IV - Tear of bicep tendon and bucket-handle tear of labrum.
Bankart Tear
Often associated with shoulder dislocations, fSWT can help manage pain, but surgical repair is often recommended for stabilisation.
Posterior Labral Tear
Can develop from a SLAP tear or from direct trauma.
If you think you have a shoulder labral tear and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Shoulder Labral Tears
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Reduces muscle and tendon tension
- Improves shoulder function and mobility
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Shoulder Labral Tears
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for a type I labral tear usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment. Types II, III and IV will involve post-surgery rehab protocols.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tear.
Minimal Downtime
For a type I tear clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous, high-impact or over-head activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Labral Tears
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
The therapy promotes faster healing of the surrounding tissue often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of the labral tear, focused shockwave therapy combined with physiotherapy provides long-term relief and can reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating some labral tears, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for a Shoulder Labral Tear
Fast recovery time
If there is a need for quick recovery, such as an upcoming event, competition, or work-related activity.
History of labral tear
If you have a history of labral tears or related shoulder issues that have not responded well to previous alternative treatments.
Severe pain is limiting activity
If the pain is severe and significantly limits your ability to perform daily activities, particularly involving overhead movements or lifting.
Avoid or minimise medication
For those who wish to avoid or minimise the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid injections, due to potential side effects.
Calcium deposits
If imaging investigations (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound) show calcium deposits in the surrounding tendons (calcific tendonitis).
Focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and promote healing in the early stages of a type I labral tear, preventing further deterioration of the labrum, and help with post-surgery rehabilitation for types II, III, and IV tears.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
