Shoulder Labral Repair
Complete preparation and recovery instructions for arthroscopic labral repair including SLAP tears and shoulder instability surgery.
Is Shoulder Labral Repair Right for You?
This May Be Right for You If...
- • You have recurrent shoulder instability (dislocations or subluxations)
- • You have a SLAP tear causing pain or dysfunction
- • Physical therapy hasn't resolved instability
- • You're active and want to return to sports or overhead activities
This May Not Be the Best Fit If...
- • First-time dislocation that may heal with conservative care
- • Pain without instability (may be a different condition)
- • You cannot commit to the rehab timeline
- • Your symptoms are improving with physical therapy
Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual. Your surgeon will discuss your specific timeline.
Questions Before Surgery?
It's normal to have questions or feel uncertain before any procedure. Our staff is here to help you understand what to expect and address any concerns.
You can call us anytime during office hours. If you're not sure whether something is normal or a concern, call anyway—we'd rather answer your question than have you worry.
Call Us If You Have Questions About:
- Medications to stop or continue
- What to bring on surgery day
- Arranging help at home
- Any other concerns
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm
About Shoulder Labral Repair
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint. Labral tears can result from injury, repetitive overhead motions, or shoulder dislocations.
Arthroscopic labral repair uses small incisions to reattach the torn labrum to the bone with special anchors. Common procedures include SLAP repair (superior labrum), Bankart repair (anterior labrum), and posterior labral repair.
Recovery requires strict protection of the repair with a sling for 4-6 weeks and dedicated physical therapy for several months to restore motion and strength.
Key Recovery Milestones
- Go home: Same day
- Sling use: 4-6 weeks
- Passive motion only: Weeks 1-4
- Active motion begins: Weeks 4-6
- Strengthening begins: Week 8-12
- Return to light activities: 3 months
- Return to sports: 4-6 months
Pre-Surgery Instructions
1 Week Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Stop taking blood thinners as directed by your surgeon
- Continue taking prescribed heart and blood pressure medications unless told otherwise
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours
- Practice tasks using only your non-operative arm
Prepare Your Home
- Move frequently used items to waist level
- Prepare easy-to-open containers and pre-made meals
- Get button-front or loose-fitting shirts
- Set up a comfortable sleeping area (recliner or propped pillows)
- Have ice packs ready for post-operative use
- Arrange for help with driving and household tasks
The Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
- Shower with antibacterial soap
- Do not shave your shoulder area
- Remove all jewelry and leave valuables at home
- Pack comfortable, button-front clothing
- Get a good night's rest
Movement Restrictions
Protecting your labral repair is essential. Certain movements can stress the repair and cause failure. Follow these restrictions strictly.
For 6 Weeks After Surgery, AVOID:
- Lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup
- Reaching behind your back
- External rotation (arm rotating outward)
- Pushing or pulling motions
- Sudden or jerky arm movements
- Using your arm to push up from a chair or bed
- Catching yourself if you fall
- Any overhead activities
Note: Specific restrictions may vary based on the type of labral repair (SLAP, Bankart, posterior). Your surgeon will provide personalized guidelines.
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Sling Instructions
- Wear the sling at all times for the first 4-6 weeks
- Keep sling on while sleeping
- Only remove for bathing, dressing, and exercises
- Support your arm with your other hand when sling is off
- Keep elbow bent at 90 degrees in the sling
Pain Management
- Take pain medications as prescribed before pain becomes severe
- Ice your shoulder for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Sleep in a recliner or propped up with pillows
- Pain is typically worst the first 3-5 days
- Gradually decrease medications as pain improves
Wound Care
- Keep dressing clean and dry for 48-72 hours
- After removing dressing, cover with band-aids
- You may shower after 3 days; pat incisions dry
- Do not soak in bath, pool, or hot tub for 4 weeks
- Steri-strips will fall off in 1-2 weeks
Physical Therapy
- Begin pendulum exercises and elbow/wrist movements immediately
- Physical therapy typically starts within 1-2 weeks
- Weeks 1-4: Passive range of motion only
- Weeks 4-8: Begin active assisted motion
- Weeks 8-12: Progress to strengthening
- Commitment to therapy is essential for best results
When to Call Your Doctor
While some discomfort is expected after shoulder labral repair, certain symptoms may indicate a problem. Contact our office if you experience any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around incisions
- Drainage or pus from the wound
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Numbness or tingling that worsens
- Fingers appear blue or feel cold
- Feeling of instability or shoulder popping out
Office: (580) 233-6707
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you prepare for a successful shoulder labral repair.
(580) 233-6707