My shoulder started hurting but I had pain in many places so didn’t pay attention at first. This went on for at least six months before I saw my (shoulder) Orthopedic Doctor. The pain kept getting worse.
He prescribed six weeks of therapy, two times a day. What he didn’t know was that I did my own therapy for both knee replacements. My (hip & knee) Orthopedic Doctor told me I was a month ahead of the patients that went to therapy. Walking the stairs is the method I used as therapy.
I had no plans to go somewhere twice a day for six weeks. I would not go even once a day. I’m capable of rehabbing myself. He gave me a steroid shot in my shoulder and off I went.
The Cleveland Clinic Explains
SLAP tears happen when you tear the cartilage in the inner part of your shoulder joint. The tears can be caused by injury or overuse and make it painful or difficult for you to move your shoulder and arm. Left untreated, these tears can cause chronic pain, limit how much you can use your arm and shoulder, and lead to more serious shoulder problems.
The L in SLAP refers to your glenoid labrum. Your labrum plays two important roles in keeping your shoulder functioning and pain-free. First, your labrum is a cushion for the top part of your upper arm bone. This cushion helps your upper arm bone stay where it belongs – cradled in your shoulder socket. Second, your labrum is a connection point between your shoulder blade socket and one of your bicep tendons.
Recovering from SLAP tear treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take three to four months for non-surgical treatment to help relieve your pain and improve your functioning. It can take up to a year to fully recover from SLAP tear surgery.
What is interesting is when it was time for my second steroid shot, I didn’t make an appointment because my pain was low and I can live with that.
Melinda
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21717-slap-tear
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Good Morning Melinda
Just want to say thanks for the information. No, I have not heard of a shoulder slap tear. However my daughter in law has what her Dr. says is a torn rotator cuff. She got it from packing boxes at her work. Maybe it’s the same thing I don’t know. So I will pass on this info you provided to her. Thanks again the info.
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Her doctor didn’t refer her to an Orthopedic Surgeon? That is who she needs to see and I would do it as quickly as possible. That’s a bad injury. Read up on it to see what she can do herself while you wait for an appointment. She needs to wear a sling to give the shoulder the rest it needs. Avoid anything that involves movements with the injured shoulder. I’m so glad that you found my post helpful. Have a great day. :)
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Sorry it took so long to get back to your question. The doctor said she is too young for surgery.
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What does he have her doing to protect her injury?
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She did about 6 weeks of physio, that’s it. He mentioned cortisone shots but never ordered any.
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The steroid shots will make it fell much better. You might want to bring it up again. :)
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I will do that
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The key to an almost pain free way it’s done is a Tech uses free spray while the doctor is inserting needle. How old is she?
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She is about 33 years old. Also she is not keen on getting the shot because someone she knows got the shot and it messed something up & now the person needs a full shoulder replacement. So I’m thinking she might be scared of needles.
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I don’t have any idea why 33 is too early for surgery, people much younger have the surgery. If she’s not in pain and it’s not getting worse she could put it off but remember surgery affects you more the older you get. I hope she’s ok. :)
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It’s impressive how you took the initiative to rehab yourself and found a method that worked for you. Thanks for sharing ur story and insights.
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It’s one of those injuries that take time to heal. It’s feeling better already, less pain when I lay or touch the top of my shoulder. :)
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