Torn Labrum Recovery Time: 7 Things to Consider For a Speedy Recovery

The labrum is a typical cartilage found in the shoulder joint and is also called a ball and socket joint, the point where it meets the body. This is when the arm bone is formed at the shoulder that meets the socket at the shoulder blade. These two bones are connected by tough ligament tissues and ropes that hold the bones in a relationship. These cartilages in the joint are on the ends of the bones and allow the bones to glide and move on each other.

When this cartilage wears out, the joints can become painful and stiff. The labrum is on the ends of the ball and socket joints and can be found around the socket where it is attached. In this article, we will discuss the torn labrum recovery time labrum and things that can speed up your recovery.

What is a torn labrum?

A torn labrum is a tear in the rim of the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (Glenoid). The labrum helps to deepen the socket and provide stability to the shoulder joint. A tear can result from injury or wear and tear over time. Symptoms of a torn labrum may include shoulder pain, stiffness, difficulty moving the arm, and a sense of instability in the shoulder. A torn labrum can be diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the tear and the individual's symptoms and goals.

Treatment options for a labrum tear

There are several treatment options for a labrum tear, and they can include both surgical and nonsurgical options. The choice of surgery will be based on the treatment method that will work and if the shoulder is not healing correctly. Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy.
• Medications to manage pain and inflammation.
• Surgery to repair the tear.

Many people with a torn labrum do not require surgery to repair the injury. When a tear happens, a surgeon can diagnose the condition and can check the severity of the tear. Sometimes, the doctor can opt for a typical arthroscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery.

Also Read: Role of Keyhole Surgery in Spinal Ailments

What is the recovery time for torn labrum surgery?

Recovery from a labrum tear will depend on the location and severity of the tear. In addition, it will take several weeks for the incisions to heal and months for the tear to heal completely. A doctor will advise wearing a sling for the set period following the surgery. Doctors may recommend wearing the sling after a set period following the surgery or wearing the splint for about four weeks. A labrum surgery can deal with medications, physical therapies, and cortisone injections. The recovery period for a person will be varied. People should avoid playing any sports during the recovery period.

People who received surgery for torn labrum can experience a quicker recovery from a closed surgical operation and lesser pain than those who required open surgery. Athletes can take about six months to 1 year to recover completely from the injury. However, there can be long-term effects on an athlete's ability. With effective treatment, the majority can return to at least the athlete's power with an effective treatment that can return to 80% capability before the injury. However, they are not advised to return to sports.

7 Things to consider for a speedy recovery from a torn labrum

The doctor will provide all the precautions you must take after the surgery. We have a list of all the points you can follow after a Labrum tear surgery for a speedy recovery. It will be best for the patients to follow these pointers and all seven tips for a speedy recovery.

1. Eat right

Eating right is essential for patients to recover quickly from the surgery. Therefore, you should eat precisely to promote healing, optimize recovery, and ensure plenty of probiotics, fiber, and lean proteins are added to your diet, along with fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced meal will help to speed up your labrum surgery recovery time by giving your body the necessary elements to heal. Get help from a nutritionist and follow all the meal plans for a faster recovery.

Also Read: How Often Can One Get a Cortisone Shot

2. Take your supplements

Even if you are eating right, the body can take a while to boost its natural ability to heal or speed up the recovery time after should surgery. A multivitamin ensures that the body has a basic recovery pattern and can add to B-complex and help in healing; vitamin D and vitamin C or zinc can help fight infections. However, it would help if you avoided vitamin A as it causes bruising or can reduce the speed of torn labrum shoulder recovery times. These supplements are necessary for faster healing.

Also Read: 10 Common Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

3. Changes your sleeping Position

After the surgery, you should check which sleeping position is more comfortable. This will allow the shoulder to recover quickly, aid in sleeping, and avoid post-operative shoulders. Roll to the side of the shoulder that doesn't have the tear, or try sleeping on the back, and you can take a supportive pillow. A sleeping position can allow the labrum surgery to heal faster with lesser pain and swelling in the arm. Allow yourself some time to get customized to this new sleeping position.

4. Quit smoking

It will help if you quit smoking before or after the surgery. It is essential as the joints in the body consist of three bones and muscles or ligaments that make up the rotator cuff, then the structure that supports the shoulder. Many addictive substances like tobacco can delay the healing of bones and their natural abilities; hence they should not be consumed. This delay is seen in recovery and can also increase the risks of infections. By quitting smoking, surgery will heal faster, and chances of developing diseases will be reduced; there still can be certain complications like a frozen shoulder.

5. Use cold compresses

A cold compress can help reduce torn labrum surgery recovery time. It can help reduce swelling after surgery, reduce bruising, and shorten recovery time. Depending on your needs, you can carry some ice with you. A cold compress will help compress the pain by reducing the blood flow to the directed location and allowing the wound to rest. This will also help with redness and swelling in the surgery location.

6. Do your home exercises

Within a few days, your shoulder should improve, and it is recommended to start your home exercises and stretches that are vital to recovery. Without them, you should begin developing an immobilizing condition called frozen shoulders. In some cases, physical therapies are advised after shoulder surgery. It is essential to follow up with your doctor as the physical therapist ensures you regain upper shoulder mobility and can monitor risks and complications, including infections.

 7. Follow your doctor's orders

The most crucial point for recovery is following the doctor's order, like restricting the activities that are not allowed and do not take up those activities. You should take some medication if you have been told to take it. Get your lab work done before anyone reminds you of the same. Keep all your doctor's appointments with you as you feel better with which medications. They can be referred again if you have a rupture or pain in the labrum.

Book an online appointment with the Best Orthopedic doctor in India.

Some pointers for a speedy recovery from labrum tear

1. Sleeping on, the opposite of having the surgery will put less pressure on the shoulder, and weight will not be directly on the affected shoulder.
2. Use pillows to get a more upright position.
3. Lie on your back as the pain and discomfort begin to decline.
4. Add some pillows behind the back to keep yourself from rolling back on the affected shoulders. You can use a wedge pillow or can stuff something underneath the mattress. This will make it harder for you to turn around.
5. Switch sides, sleep on the unaffected shoulder, and check with your doctor.
6. Put your bed across the wall, as it can provide support and comfort when needed.
7. Elevate your shoulders while keeping pillows under them, which can help prevent swelling and turning off the shoulders.
8. Keep the arm in a sling to keep your shoulder protracted and prevent unnecessary movements.

Also Read: Labrum Tear Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

The Bottom line

A torn shoulder or labrum can result from the overuse of blunt or forceful trauma to the shoulder. When a labrum tear occurs, a person will experience shoulder pain and reduced range of motion or limited stability in the shoulders. Treatment is possible with experiencing pain, reduced range of motion, and little shoulder stability. A torn labrum can require OTC medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury, and the treatment can ensure that most people can regain their majority to the motion before the injury. However, following your doctor's advice, taking proper rest, and eating a healthy diet can aid in reducing torn labrum recovery time. Also Read: Cortisone Injection Doctors in India