Understanding and Managing Labral and Rotator Cuff Injuries

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we understand that labral tears and rotator cuff injuries can severely impact your shoulder function, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and comprehensive care are essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and preventing long-term disability.

Our team offers a full spectrum of treatments — from conservative therapies to advanced interventions — personalized to your injury and recovery goals.

A labral tear refers to damage to the labrum, the cartilage ring that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint (glenoid). This cartilage helps stabilize the shoulder.

A rotator cuff injury involves tears or strains to one or more of the four tendons and muscles that stabilize and move the shoulder joint.

Both conditions can cause chronic shoulder pain, weakness, and instability, significantly limiting arm movement.

Common causes include:

• Acute trauma (falls, car accidents, sports injuries)
• Repetitive overhead activities (throwing sports, swimming, weightlifting)
• Degenerative wear and tear over time (especially after age 40)
• Sudden pulling or lifting motions
• Dislocation or instability of the shoulder joint

Overuse and natural aging weaken the structures around the shoulder, making them more prone to injury.

You may be at higher risk for labral and rotator cuff injuries if you:

• Participate in overhead or contact sports (baseball, tennis, football)
• Perform heavy labor or repetitive lifting at work
• Are over 40 years old (natural tendon degeneration increases)
• Have previous shoulder injuries or instability
• Experience poor posture affecting shoulder mechanics

Recognizing these risk factors early can help prevent worsening injuries.

Symptoms of labral and rotator cuff injuries often overlap and may include:

• Deep, aching shoulder pain
• Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
• Shoulder weakness
• Clicking, popping, or catching sensation during shoulder movements
• Limited range of motion

Persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life warrant prompt evaluation.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, diagnosis begins with:

• Comprehensive medical history and symptom review
• Physical examination testing strength, flexibility, and joint stability
• Imaging studies:
  • MRI to visualize soft tissue tears and inflammation
  • Ultrasound for real-time tendon evaluation
  • X-rays to rule out bone-related issues (e.g., arthritis, fractures)

Accurate diagnosis helps us customize the best treatment approach for optimal recovery.

Most mild to moderate injuries respond well to non-surgical treatments, such as:

Medications:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling

Physical therapy:

• Strengthening rotator cuff muscles and improving shoulder mechanics
• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness

Activity modification:

• Limiting overhead activities and avoiding heavy lifting during healing

Cold therapy:

• Ice packs to manage swelling and discomfort

A structured rehabilitation program can often restore shoulder function without surgery.

For persistent pain and inflammation, we offer advanced injection therapies:

• Corticosteroid injections:
  • Target inflammation inside the shoulder joint or bursa
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell therapy:
  • Uses the body's natural growth factors to promote tendon healing
• Ultrasound-guided injections:
  • Accurate delivery of medications to the exact site of injury

Injections can significantly reduce pain and facilitate physical therapy progression.

Surgery may be necessary for:

• Large rotator cuff tears
• Severe labral tears (e.g., SLAP tears)
• Failure to improve after months of conservative therapy
• Recurrent shoulder instability

Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• Labral tear repair or debridement
• Shoulder stabilization procedures (if dislocation is involved)

Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques allow faster recovery and less scarring.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we offer:

• Board-certified specialists in orthopedic and pain management care
• Advanced diagnostic imaging to accurately assess injuries
• Non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to each patient
• Expert physical therapy and rehabilitation partnerships

We are committed to not just treating your pain — but fully restoring your shoulder strength, function, and confidence.