What is a SLAP Tear? A dive into the most feared type of labral tears in the shoulder.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, acting like a cushion and stabilizer for the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) as it fits into the shoulder socket. It's crucial for maintaining shoulder stability, especially during the dynamic and high-impact movements common in baseball.
A SLAP tear, which stands for "Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior," refers to an injury to the top part of the labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches. This type of tear can occur from repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a baseball, or from a sudden trauma like falling on an outstretched arm. SLAP tears can cause pain, decreased strength, and instability in the shoulder, often affecting your throwing performance and overall shoulder function.
A SLAP tear can significantly affect your throwing and swinging a bat because it compromises the stability and function of your shoulder joint. When you throw a baseball or swing a bat, your shoulder undergoes intense rotational and overhead movements that rely on the rotator cuff and the labrum to keep the joint stable and properly aligned.
When throwing, a SLAP tear can cause pain and weakness in your shoulder, making it difficult to generate power and control your throws. You might notice “dead arm,” or a decrease in velocity and accuracy randomly because the shoulder joint is not as stable as it should be. The pain can also make you alter your throwing mechanics, potentially leading to further injury or reduced performance.
A SLAP tear can also interfere with your swing. You might find it harder to make solid contact with the ball or to swing with the same force and precision as before the injury as your "proprioception” is effected (aka coordination) is altered, leading to pain and a lack of strength in your swing.
In both cases, the instability and discomfort caused by a SLAP tear can significantly impact your performance and ability to play effectively. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the injury and restore your shoulder's function. Give us a call and The Training Room Physical Therapy and Performance will help you determine if this injury is enough to shut it down, or keep on playing.
Notice the biceps attachment anchoring to top of the labrum