Labral tear shoulder physiotherapy in Melbourne is one of our core services at The Alignment Studio, where we help patients recover from this painful and limiting shoulder injury through expert, evidence-based treatment.
A torn labrum can significantly affect shoulder stability, mobility, and daily function. Whether your injury is due to repetitive overhead movement, contact sports, or a fall onto an outstretched arm, our experienced physiotherapists are here to support your recovery with targeted, hands-on care.
We create personalised physiotherapy programs designed to restore strength, improve joint function, and reduce the risk of re-injury—helping you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Recognising the symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum early can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. Common signs include:
Many people initially dismiss these symptoms as general shoulder pain, but persistent discomfort warrants professional assessment.
During your initial consultation at our Melbourne CBD clinic, your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment including:
While physiotherapists cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without imaging, our clinical assessment is highly accurate in identifying labral injuries. If needed, we’ll refer you for an MRI or MRI arthrogram, which provides the clearest view of labral damage.
The shoulder labrum is a vital ring of soft tissues in the glenoid socket, part of the shoulder joint. This cartilage structure plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the shoulder by keeping the humeral head securely in place within the socket joint.
Additionally, the labrum serves as an attachment site for the biceps tendon, making it integral to shoulder movement and function.
Labral tears can vary in type and severity, with the most common being SLAP tears, SLAP lesions, and posterior tears. A SLAP tear refers to an injury at the top of the labrum, where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches. Posterior tears, on the other hand, occur at the back part of the labrum.
Each type of tear can significantly impact the shoulder’s function and may require a targeted treatment approach based on the severity of the tear.
For many patients, conservative treatment is the first step in managing a shoulder labral tear.
Activity modification is often recommended to reduce strain on the shoulder joint and minimise pain. Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed as part of a pain management strategy, providing relief from inflammation and discomfort.
Physical therapy plays a key role in the recovery process, with physiotherapy programs focused on range-of-motion exercises, rehab exercises, and stability exercises. These exercises are designed to improve the stability of the shoulder joint, restore shoulder movement, and prevent further injury.
A physical therapist will develop a personalised rehabilitation program that addresses the specific needs and activity level of each patient.
In cases where conservative treatments are not sufficient, advanced treatment options may be necessary. An integrated care approach, combining Clinical Pilates, remedial massage, and exercise physiology, can enhance recovery and improve overall shoulder function.
This holistic treatment approach ensures that all aspects of the injury are addressed for optimal results.
For severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair the labrum.
If surgical intervention is warranted, we have close working relationships with some of Melbourne’s leading shoulder orthopaedic surgeons, allowing us to provide trusted referrals and seamless continuity of care.
Following surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential to regain strength, stability, and mobility. In some instances, corticosteroid injections may be used as a pain relief option to manage inflammation during the recovery process.
These advanced treatments are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Phase 1: Pain Relief & Protection (Weeks 1-3)
Focus on reducing inflammation and protecting the healing labrum while maintaining shoulder mobility through gentle exercises and activity modification.
Phase 2: Restore Movement & Strength (Weeks 4-8)
Phase 3: Return to Activity (Weeks 9-16+)
Post-Surgical Recovery:
Most patients see significant improvement within 12-16 weeks with consistent physiotherapy. Minor tears may heal faster, while severe injuries can take 4-6 months. Athletes returning to high-level sport may need longer. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalised timeline at your assessment.
No. Many labral tears respond well to physiotherapy alone, especially when treated early. Surgery is typically only considered if conservative treatment hasn’t worked after 3-6 months, or if there’s severe instability or recurrent dislocation.
Yes. Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for labral tears unless there’s severe structural damage. Many patients achieve full recovery without surgery through structured rehabilitation.
Treatment progresses from gentle range-of-motion exercises and scapular control, to rotator cuff strengthening with bands, and eventually weighted and sport-specific movements. Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises based on your recovery stage.
It depends on severity, but complete rest is rarely required. You’ll need to modify activities that aggravate your shoulder while maintaining fitness through lower body work, core exercises, and pain-free upper body movements. Your physiotherapist will guide what’s safe to continue.
If you are struggling with a shoulder labral tear, The Alignment Studio in Melbourne is here to help you regain pain-free shoulder movement and return to your daily activities.
Our expert treatment approach focuses on providing personalised care tailored to your specific injury and goals.
Contact our Melbourne shoulder physiotherapists today for expert labral tear treatment and personalised rehabilitation that gets results. Book your appointment today!
