Nonsurgical Treatment
In many cases, the initial treatment for a SLAP injury is nonsurgical.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy. Specific exercises will restore movement and strengthen your shoulder. Flexibility and range-of-motion exercises will include stretching the shoulder capsule, which is the strong connective tissue that surrounds the joint. Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder can relieve pain and prevent further injury. This exercise program can be continued anywhere from 3 to 6 months, and usually involves working with a qualified physical therapist.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended if your pain does not improve with nonsurgical methods.
Arthroscopy. The surgical technique most commonly used for treating a SLAP injury is arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, a small camera, called an arthroscope, enters into your shoulder joint.
Treatment options. There are several different types of SLAP tears. Surgical treatment details - labral repair versus biceps tenodesis - are determined by tear type, patient age and activity among other individual factors.
Rehabilitation. At first, your shoulder needs to be protected while the repaired structures heal. To keep your arm from moving, you will most likely use a sling for 2 to 6 weeks after surgery - the duration you require a sling depends upon the severity of your injury and the complexity of your surgery.
