A superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) tear is a specific labral injury in the shoulder that primarily affects overhead athletes, weightlifters, and workers who lift or throw repeatedly. Consequently, rigorous SLAP tear rehabilitation Bangalore patients receive at Pro Physiotherapy is scapular-first — the modern evidence-based approach validated in the Kibler et al., BJSM (scapular dyskinesis consensus, 2013) and subsequent NIH-hosted systematic reviews.
Understanding the SLAP Lesion
Firstly, the labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring around the glenoid that deepens the shoulder socket and anchors the long head of biceps tendon. Consequently, a SLAP tear disrupts the biceps-labrum complex, producing the classic symptoms of catching, popping, and overhead weakness.
Symptoms Suggesting a SLAP Tear
- Deep shoulder pain with overhead activity.
- Catching, popping, or clicking with rotation.
- Weakness with resisted biceps flexion or supination.
- Positive O’Brien’s active-compression test.
- Painful early-cocking phase in throwing athletes.
Our 6-Phase Scapular-First Rehabilitation Framework
| Phase | Timing | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Protection | Weeks 0–2 | Sling as indicated, isometric scapular squeezes, elbow ROM |
| 2. Scapular retraining | Weeks 2–6 | Prone T-Y-W-L series, wall-slide, low-row activation |
| 3. Rotator cuff endurance | Weeks 6–10 | Progressive band ER/IR, sidelying loading |
| 4. Capsular balancing | Weeks 10–14 | Sleeper stretches, cross-body stretch, posterior mobilisation |
| 5. Functional loading | Weeks 14–20 | Overhead press, pull-up progression, closed-chain drills |
| 6. Sport-specific | Months 5–9 | Throwing progression, cricket / badminton / swim return |
Why Scapular-First Rehab Wins
Additionally, poor scapular control is present in 90% of chronic shoulder-pain patients. Consequently, addressing scapular kinematics before glenohumeral loading protects the healing labrum and normalises overhead biomechanics.
Home Programme
- Wall slides — 3 sets of 12 reps daily.
- Prone T-Y-W-L complex — 3 sets of 10 each, alternating days.
- Band pull-aparts — 3 sets of 15 daily.
- Sleeper stretch — 3 sets of 30 seconds twice daily.
- Progressive throwing programme post week 14 (physio-supervised).
Post-Arthroscopy SLAP Rehab
Consequently, for patients who have undergone SLAP repair, we coordinate directly with the operating orthopaedic surgeon at every phase transition. Furthermore, our rotator cuff rehabilitation programme and FIFA-certified sports physio service serve as pillar hubs for shoulder athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SLAP tear rehabilitation in Bangalore take?
Conservative Type I / III cases resolve in 12–16 weeks. Post-arthroscopic Type II / IV repairs require 6–9 months to full sport return.
Do all SLAP tears need surgery?
No. Type I and select Type III tears respond well to structured conservative care. Type II and IV frequently benefit from surgical repair.
Can I still lift weights during SLAP rehab?
Not overhead loading initially. Modified lower-body and closed-chain upper-body work is safe from week 4 onwards.
Do you offer home visits for post-arthroscopy SLAP rehab?
Yes. Weeks 0–4 home visits across JP Nagar, HSR, and Bannerghatta Road with portable assessment kits.
What is the cost of SLAP tear physiotherapy in Bangalore?
Clinic sessions start at ₹800. Full 6-month post-arthroscopy or 12-week conservative packages are quoted transparently after Day-1 assessment.
Get back to overhead, safely and stronger. Book the scapular-first SLAP tear rehabilitation Bangalore athletes trust. Reserve your shoulder review →
