Science Anyone here ever have a torn labrum?

Frosty · 11-17-2016, 04:46 PM

I have been having problems with my right bicep and shoulder for a while now and finally got around to going to the doctor about it. They poked and prodded but basically said to try physical therapy before doing a MRI to actually see what's going on.

The PT decided I might have a partially torn labrum, where the bicep tendons attach to the shoulder joint. He didn't seem very positive about the whole PT thing and kind of insinuated that I might have to learn to live with it. It severely limits the range of motion so that would suck.

Reading about it online, it sounds like surgery may be the only option but it introduces other issues (adhesions and scar tissue). So I was wondering if anyone here has had the surgery - especially if you are older - and had it be a success. Or if anyone has gotten better just with PT. So far, PT has mostly just made it hurt more but I am open to the idea it may work.

Just for reference, the issues I am having is limited range of motion and pain when pushed too far. I can touch my left shoulder but not my back over the shoulder like I can with my left. If you "make a muscle" (think Billay) and then rotate your forearm from 90° up to 90° down, I can only go about halfway down (parallel to the floor, not perpendicular). Pulling down on something, like closing a double hung window, flares intense pain in my bicep and shoulder. Reaching behind myself, like to tuck in a shirt, is awkward and painful.

Ok - commence labia jokes now. However, I am hoping to get a few serious answers too.

11-17-2016, 04:46 PM	Topic Starter
Frosty Go Beavers! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Warshington Casino cash: $5478243	Anyone here ever have a torn labrum? I have been having problems with my right bicep and shoulder for a while now and finally got around to going to the doctor about it. They poked and prodded but basically said to try physical therapy before doing a MRI to actually see what's going on. The PT decided I might have a partially torn labrum, where the bicep tendons attach to the shoulder joint. He didn't seem very positive about the whole PT thing and kind of insinuated that I might have to learn to live with it. It severely limits the range of motion so that would suck. Reading about it online, it sounds like surgery may be the only option but it introduces other issues (adhesions and scar tissue). So I was wondering if anyone here has had the surgery - especially if you are older - and had it be a success. Or if anyone has gotten better just with PT. So far, PT has mostly just made it hurt more but I am open to the idea it may work. Just for reference, the issues I am having is limited range of motion and pain when pushed too far. I can touch my left shoulder but not my back over the shoulder like I can with my left. If you "make a muscle" (think Billay) and then rotate your forearm from 90° up to 90° down, I can only go about halfway down (parallel to the floor, not perpendicular). Pulling down on something, like closing a double hung window, flares intense pain in my bicep and shoulder. Reaching behind myself, like to tuck in a shirt, is awkward and painful. Ok - commence labia jokes now. However, I am hoping to get a few serious answers too.
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