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A painful shoulder can slowly take over your life. Reaching overhead to grab a dish from a cabinet sends a sharp twinge. Sliding your arm under a pillow at night feels uncomfortable. Even daily tasks, like dressing, cooking, or carrying groceries, can feel tough.
At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Pamela Mehta provides personalized SLAP tear treatment in Los Gatos.
Your care depends on how the injury affects your movement, work, and quality of life. We help your shoulder heal so everyday movements feel gentle and pain-free again.
What is a SLAP Tear?
A SLAP tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage that surrounds your shoulder socket. This cartilage, called the labrum, stabilizes the joint and is an attachment point for important tendons. While a SLAP tear affects the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon connects, other areas of the labrum can also be injured — learn more about shoulder labral tear treatment and how it differs from a SLAP tear.
The tear occurs at the top of the labrum, where the biceps tendon connects. Because the shoulder moves in many directions, even a small injury leads to pain, weakness, or instability.
What Causes a SLAP Tear?
SLAP tears can develop over time from repeated stress or happen suddenly after an injury. They are common in active individuals and athletes, but they can affect anyone.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing or swimming
- Heavy lifting at work or in the gym
- Landing on your arm during a fall
- Sudden pulling or jerking motions
- Shoulder dislocations or trauma
- Age-related wear of the labrum
What are the Symptoms of a SLAP Tear?
You may notice:
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder, especially with overhead movements
- Catching, clicking, or popping in the joint
- Decreased strength or a feeling of instability
- Pain when lifting, reaching, or carrying weight
- Trouble sleeping on the affected side
Book a Consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD
The Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Jose
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you recover from your joint condition. If you:
- Are Suffering From Pain and Mobility Issues
- Need Orthopedic Assessment and Advice
- Want Treatment From a Top Orthopedic Doctor
We Can Help
What are the Possible Complications of a SLAP Tear?
If a SLAP tear is not treated, it can lead to long-term shoulder problems. These may include:
- Ongoing shoulder pain
- Instability or weakness
- Decreased athletic performance
- A higher risk of future shoulder injuries
- Gradual damage to the joint and secondary inflammatory conditions such as shoulder synovitis
How is a SLAP Tear Diagnosed?
At Resilience Orthopedics, diagnosis begins with understanding you. Before any testing, we get to know your pain, your routine, and what matters most to you.
To get a detailed view of your injury, we may start with:
- A hands-on shoulder exam
- A review of your injury history and activities
- X-rays
- MRI or MRI arthrogram
How Do We Treat a SLAP Tear?
Treatment depends on the type of tear, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. Dr. Pamela Mehta guides your care every step of the way. She is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with decades of experience treating complex shoulder injuries.
She always begins with conservative options that are suitable for your condition. These may include:
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
If your tear is severe or continues to worsen, surgery may be recommended:
What Recovery Looks Like
With non-surgical care, many people notice improvement within three to four months. Recovery after surgery usually takes longer and can last several months to a year, with a structured rehabilitation plan at every stage.
Dr. Mehta will guide you throughout your recovery, adjusting treatment as your shoulder heals and helping you regain comfortable movement.
How to Live with a SLAP Tear?
If you’re healing from a SLAP tear, there are ways to manage your symptoms and protect your shoulder:
- Follow your physical therapy plan
- Avoid lifting or moving your arm above your head
- Stretch your shoulders before and after sports or physical activity
- Apply ice after activity to reduce inflammation
- Talk to your employer about ergonomic adjustments if needed
If your symptoms worsen, Resilience Orthopedics is here to help you. We can guide you in protecting your shoulder and staying active in the ways that matter most to you. Contact us today!
Ready to Recover?
Take the first step in getting back to your normal self, and book an appointment with Dr. Mehta today.
We’re ready when you are!
FAQs
What is the Difference Between a SLAP Tear and a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A SLAP tear affects the ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear involves the muscles and tendons that lift and move your arm. They impact different structures and need different treatment approaches.
Does Every SLAP Tear Require Surgery?
Many SLAP tears improve with non-surgical care, including physical therapy, activity modification, and targeted treatments. Surgery is usually considered only if symptoms persist for weeks or significantly interfere with daily life.
Can I Keep Playing Sports with a SLAP Tear?
Some people can continue activity with modifications. But repetitive or high-stress shoulder movements may worsen your injury. We can help you know when it’s safe to play, which movements to avoid, and how to protect your shoulder during recovery.
When Should I See a Specialist for a SLAP Tear?
See a specialist if your shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits your activities, causes popping or cracking, or interferes with daily life. Early care can help prevent further injury and support a smoother recovery.
