When your shoulder catches or feels like it might slip
A shoulder surgeon and a physical therapist explain labrum injuries
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the edge of the shoulder socket. It helps keep the ball of the joint centered. A hard pull, a blow or a dislocation can damage it. Some people feel deep pain or catching. The shoulder may also feel as if it could slip out. [1, 2]
Other shoulder injuries can cause the same symptoms. So the question to answer is which part of the shoulder explains your symptoms and whether the joint is stable. [1, 2]
Link what you feel to what was hurt
Tell your doctor if the shoulder came out of joint and how it was treated. Say which movements now hurt or feel unsafe. Ask whether the exam looked at the labrum, the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon. Imaging may help when its result would change your treatment. Ask what any scan finding means for how you use the arm. A tear on an image is just one piece of the decision. [1, 2]
Set rehab goals you can measure
Many labrum problems are treated first with therapy. It works to bring back motion and strengthen the muscles that steady the shoulder. Ask which positions to avoid early on and which daily tasks are safe. Pick two tasks to track, like lifting a plate or reaching a shelf. Tracking them makes your progress easy to see. [1, 2]
Suppose the shoulder keeps slipping or the pain lingers even though you’ve followed the plan well. Then ask whether surgery makes sense. Where the tear sits and what you need from the shoulder will shape that choice. [1, 2]
Get help fast for a new change
Get urgent care if the shoulder comes out of joint or your hand turns cold or pale. New, marked weakness or numbness also needs urgent care. Call your care team if painful catching or a slipping feeling keeps you from using the arm normally, even with therapy. [1]
Questions about stability and therapy goals
- Does my shoulder exam point to instability or some other injury?
- Which motion and strength goals should therapy work toward?
- What result would make surgery worth talking about?
Log the moves that make it catch
Before your shoulder appointment, note which movements cause catching or a feeling of slipping. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shoulder joint tear
- 2American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons SLAP tears
This article gives general information from shoulder surgery and physical therapy experts. A click by itself does not confirm a torn labrum. Care depends on the exam, how you were hurt and how stable the joint is. It also depends on your daily limits.
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