SLAP Tears: Expert Shoulder & Hand Therapy in Ahmedabad

Are you experiencing shoulder pain while lifting, throwing, or reaching overhead? You might have a SLAP tear, a common shoulder injury that can affect your daily activities and sports performance. At Madhumita – The Occupational Therapy Centre in Ahmedabad, we specialise in advanced shoulder, hand, and upper-limb therapy to help you recover safely and regain full function.

What is a SLAP Tear?

A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear) involves damage to the top part of the shoulder labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. This area is crucial for shoulder stability, especially during overhead activities like cricket, volleyball, weightlifting, and daily tasks.

Mechanism of Injury

A SLAP lesion has multiple mechanisms for injury with most common being a fall on an outstretched arm causing compressive force at the shoulder, traction at the arm, and tensile loading of the long head of the biceps tendon. This is a common injury with overhead throwing athletes as continuous torsional forces from the contraction of the long head of the biceps tendon increases shearing of the posterior labrum with it tearing from back to front.

SLAP Tear Classification (Snyder et al., 1990)

Type	Description
Type I	Fraying of the labrum (age-related)
Type II	Detachment of the biceps anchor (most common)
Type III	Bucket-handle tear without biceps involvement
Type IV	Bucket-handle tear extending into the biceps tendon

Common Symptoms of a SLAP Tear

• Pain with lifting or overhead movements
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the shoulder
• Weakness or reduced performance in sports or work tasks
• Feeling of shoulder instability

Causes of SLAP Tears

SLAP tears can occur due to:

• Falls on an outstretched arm
• Sudden pulling or lifting forces
• Repetitive overhead activity

This makes the injury common in athletes, manual workers, and office workers who lift or use their arms repetitively.

Highest Sensitivity Provocative Tests for SLAP Tear include:

• Hawkins
• Speed
• Neer
• Jobe Relocation

Treatment Options

Conservative management includes therapy for strengthening of scapular and rotator cuff muscles for correction of shoulder dyskinesia.

Surgical management includes labrum and biceps tendon repair, debridement, and tenotomy.

Treatment Options at Madhumita – The Occupational Therapy Centre

Non-Surgical Therapy:

• Targeted rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
• Correcting shoulder posture and movement patterns
• Gradual return to overhead activities and sports

Surgical Rehabilitation:

If surgery is recommended, our specialised postoperative occupational and hand therapy ensures:

• Protection of the repaired labrum and biceps tendon
• Prevention of stiffness in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
• Early restoration of functional use of the arm
• Safe return to work, daily activities, and sports

Our Post-operative Therapy Approach

Phase 1 (0–6 Weeks): Sling immobilisation, gentle pendulum exercises, hand and wrist mobility, scar and swelling management.

Phase 2 (6–12 Weeks): Gradual shoulder range of motion, strengthening rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers, functional tasks for work and daily life.

Phase 3 (3–6 Months): Advanced strength training, sport- and work-specific training, hand–shoulder coordination exercises.

Phase 4 (6–9 Months): Gradual return to overhead sports, dynamic stability exercises, and injury prevention education.

Why Choose Us in Ahmedabad

• Experienced occupational and hand therapists specialising in shoulder injuries.
• Evidence-based, personalised rehabilitation programs.
• Focus on complete upper-limb function for work, sport, and daily life.
• Conveniently located in Ahmedabad with modern therapy facilities.