Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Table of Contents
Any tear to the labrum may require the victim to obtain the best shoulder brace for torn labrum. Labron tears can also be painful and itchy. It is the cartilage that strengthens the patella of the shoulder. Therefore, a small tear in this cartilage can prevent it from being active for an extended period.
In this article, we will discuss some non-surgical treatment options for the torn labrum, in which getting the best shoulder brace for torn labrum is one of them. We will also give you the suggestion of some suitable and best shoulder supports that you can choose.
What is a Labrum Tear?
According to Healthline, the shoulder labrum is a piece of soft cartilage in the socket-shaped joint of the shoulder bone. It covers the ball-shaped joint at the top of the upper arm bone, connecting the two joints.
A group of four muscles called the rotator cuff helps the labrum keep the ball in the socket. This allows your arm to rotate. Repetitive movements and injuries can tear the labrum, often causing pain.
There is also a labrum where the upper leg attaches to the hip but is less likely to break because it is thicker than the shoulder labrum.
Types of Shoulder Labrum Tears
The shallow, socket-shaped opening in the shoulder where the labrum is located is called the glenoid. Ruptures of the shoulder labrum can occur anywhere around the glenoid cavity.
There are three main types of labrum tears:
- SLAP tear or Lesion: When the tear is above the middle of the glenoid cavity, it is called a SLAP tear or SLAP lesion. SLAP means “superior labrum, anterior to posterior”, which means from front to back. This type of labrum tear is common among tennis players, baseball players, and anyone who uses many arm movements. They also often occur with damage to the biceps tendon.
- Bankart tear or Lesion: When the damage is in the lower half of the glenoid cavity, it is called Bankart tear or lesion. Bankart tears are more common in young people with dislocated shoulders.
- Posterior labrum tear: Injuries to the back of the shoulder joint can cause a posterior labrum tear. These are rare and only account for 5-10% of all shoulder injuries.
Symptoms of a Labrum Tear
A labral tear is usually painful. It may seem that your shoulder joint is:
- Catching
- Locking
- Popping
- Grinding
You may also experience a feeling of instability in the shoulder, decreased range of motion, and loss of strength. Pain at night or during daily activities is also common.
If you have a Bankart tear, you may feel that your shoulder is coming out of your joint.
All types of labral tears often occur with other shoulder injuries, such as dislocated shoulders, rotator cuff injuries, and torn bicep tendons. Your doctor will determine exactly what type of injury you have.
Continue reading to find out all you should know about labrum tear or you can jump to Best Shoulder Brace for Torn Labrum
Causes and Risk Factors
Traumatic injuries and wear and tear due to repetitive upper arm movements can cause tearing of the labrum.
Some specific causes of labrum ruptures include:
- a fall on an outstretched arm.
- a sudden tug on the arm.
- a violent blow while reaching overhead.
- a direct hit to the shoulder.
Diagnosis of a Torn Shoulder Labrum
Your doctor will assess the range of motion, stability, and level of pain in your shoulder/arm. Be sure to tell the doctor about any event that may have caused the pain.
The labrum tissue is too soft to appear on x-rays, but your doctor may order an x-ray to see if other injuries can cause your pain. To see the damage to the labrum, your doctor may request a CT scan or an MRI.
Your doctor can also perform an arthroscopic exam by inserting a small camera called an arthroscope through a small cut. The camera will give your doctor a more detailed view of your labrum and its injuries.
Surgical Treatment
Tears in the labrum that require surgery are usually treated with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
During surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the labrum. This may include cutting out any damaged cartilage flap that prevents proper movement of the joint.
Non-surgical treatment
Labrum tears are often treated with rest, over-the-counter medications, and physiotherapy.
If you have a Bankart break, your doctor (or even your trainer or coach) can put your arm back in place. This must be followed by physical therapy.
- Home remedies
If your doctor’s examination shows that the break is not too serious, you may need only a few home remedies. Rest is most important. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer’s true aspirin), can help relieve pain. Your doctor may also decide to give you cortisone injections for pain relief.
- Physical therapy
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder muscles, especially the rotator cuff. You can also receive massages or manual therapy during visits.
Your physiotherapist will show you the positions and activities to avoid, as well as gentle stretches and exercises that you can do at home.
A physiotherapy program can last from six weeks to two months, depending on the severity of the injury.
Your physiotherapist can also suggest the use of the best shoulder brace for torn labrum.
Continue reading to find out all you should know about labrum tear or you can jump to Best Shoulder Brace for Torn Labrum
Why you Need the Best Shoulder Brace for Torn Labrum
The best shoulder brace for torn labrum is perfect for providing you with all non-surgical treatment options.
The best shoulder brace for torn labrum will stabilize the joint and prevent unnecessary movements that could further aggravate the injury. This ensures the healing of the torn labrum.
In addition, the shoulder brace compresses the joint it is worn on. You can even adjust this compression according to your preferences for the best result. Compression is very essential to cure the rotator cuff tear and labrum tear and getting the best shoulder brace is a perfect way to do it.
Furthermore, some shoulder braces have an option for hot or cold therapy. Some come with a gel pack, while the few that don’t come with it always have a gel pack pocket that allows you to insert a gel pack purchased separately for hot and cold therapy.
Therefore, obtaining the best shoulder brace for torn labrum is very essential and we recommend that you get one if you are suffering from a labrum tear.
What to Look for in the Best Shoulder Brace for Torn Labrum
Durability
If you plan to wear the shoulder support for an extended period of time, you will want to make sure to purchase a brace made of high-quality durable materials.
A good quality indicator is whether the device is covered by a money-back guarantee.
Adjustable
You should opt for a shoulder splint that you can adjust. This gives you the freedom to set your preferences and determine how much freedom you want your shoulder to have. The adjustable function also helps you control the amount of compression your shoulder receives from the shoulder brace.
Level of Assistance
Some shoulder support braces are designed to immobilize the shoulder, while others are designed to be used during sports or other activities that require a full range of movements of the shoulder joint.
When buying a shoulder brace, think about how you plan to use it and what level of support you will need.
Breathability
How comfortable you will feel will be largely determined by this. The type of material used and the construction of the brace are very important for breathability. We recommend a well-perforated brace to improve body ventilation. Make sure that the material used to make the orthosis does not cause a rash.
Hot/Cold Therapy Gel Pack
Make sure to buy a shoulder splint that has a gel pack. But in the case that it doesn’t have it, it should have a gel pack pocket to store the gel pack when you decide to buy it. Some shoulder supports are sold with a gel pack, while others only have a gel pack pocket to store the pack when you decide to buy.
Customer Comments/Reviews
You can read what previous users have written about a particular product to get first-hand information about the qualities of the support brace.
Price
Braces are relatively inexpensive, so you’ll want to make sure you buy the highest quality product that your budget allows.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that more expensive gadgets are better, but be sure to read customer reviews to get a better idea of the quality of a shoulder mount before buying it.
Continue reading the best shoulder brace for torn labrum
You May Also Like
What is a Posture Corrector and Are Posture Correctors Safe?
The Best Shoulder Brace For Torn Labrum
In this section of this article, we will be considering the best shoulder brace for torn labrum that you can find in the market.
Every shoulder brace is unique in its own way. However, we have taken time to research and try out several shoulder braces and we bring you the eight of the best shoulder brace for torn labrum.
1. NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support
The NatraCure hot/cold compression shoulder support includes a practical air pump system, allowing the user to easily adjust the compression level.
It also has removable gel packs that can be heated or frozen.
The NatraCure hot/cold compression shoulder support can be worn on any shoulder and fits chests up to 50 inches.
Customers have a minor concern with this splint, that it can be difficult to wear alone.
Some customers have also complained that the brace is bulky, although this is to be expected given the durability of the unit.
Overall, it is an excellent shoulder brace for anyone who wishes to benefit from compression and cold therapy while recovering from shoulder injuries such as bursitis, tendinitis, torn labrum, and ruptures of the tendons.
Pros
- It can be worn on the left or right shoulder.
- Features removable hot/cold gel packs.
- Air pump system for adjusting the compression.
Cons
- Difficult to wear alone.
- It may be too large for some people.
2. FIGHTECH Support & Injury Prevention Brace
It can be worn on both shoulders and has a pocket for ice cream or a thermal compress.
This reinforcement provides great shoulder stability but can be difficult to put on alone.
Another common complaint from customers is that the chest strap tends to twist.
However, the FIGHTECH injury prevention and support brace have a 45-day satisfaction guarantee that allows you to test the product before purchasing it.
Pros
- Unisex design.
- Available in two sizes.
- It can be worn on any shoulder.
- Includes pocket for ice/heat pack.
- Backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Chest strap tends to roll.
3. EVS Sports SB03 Shoulder Brace
Breathable mesh panels keep you cool when you train or play sports, while the adjusted design of the clip allows you to wear it comfortably under a pain reliever.
This brace offers a high level of compression which can be uncomfortable for some, especially when you start to wear it. Some customers have also complained that the Velcro straps irritated the skin.
However, despite these minor complaints, the EVS Sports shoulder pad is a great option for those looking for support that provides stability to the shoulders while allowing a full range of movement.
Pros
- Slim fit.
- Adjustable arm closure design.
- Breathable mesh panels.
- It can be worn on any shoulder.
Cons
- The velcro closure can irritate the skin.
- It may be uncomfortable to use at first.
4. Shoulder Stability Brace with Pressure Pad
The Babo Care’s shoulder stability brace has a bidirectional adjustment system that allows the brace to be worn on the left or right shoulder.
It also has a unique pressure cushion designed to hold an ice pack or heat pack in place.
The Babo Care’s shoulder stability support brace is made of a light and breathable neoprene material which ensures maximum comfort when performing strenuous activities.
The brace is designed to fit users with a chest size between 33 and 45 inches, so it may be too large for some.
However, it’s covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it before you commit to buying it.
Pros
- It is cheap.
- It has a bidirectional adjustment system.
- Made of light and breathable neoprene.
- Backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- It may be too big for some.
5. Shock Doctor Shoulder Support Brace
With a soft stretch lycra mesh area and N-Tex airflow panels, the Shock Doctor shoulder support brace is one of the most comfortable shoulder supports on the market.
It is available in a variety of sizes (extra small to triple extra-large) and has an adjustable strap system for a more precise fit.
However, this brace tends to be large, so you should make sure to check the manufacturer’s size guide before buying.
Pros
- Two strap adjustment system for more precise adjustment.
- It can be worn on the left or right shoulder.
- Includes N-Tex airflow panels for maximum breathability.
- Available in a wide range of sizes.
Cons
- The size is large
6. ActiveWrap Shoulder Ice Compression Support
The activewrap shoulder ice compression support brace is definitely one of the best shoulder brace for torn labrum.
Like the NatraCure hot/cold compression shoulder support, the ActiveWrap shoulder compression support comes with removable gel packs that can be frozen or heated.
Some customers have complained that the gel pack pockets are not positioned to specifically relieve the pain.
However, the device is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which effectively allows you to test the product before purchasing it.
Pros
- Includes removable gel packs for hot/cold therapy.
- Available in two sizes.
- Can be worn on any shoulder
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not provide targeted pain relief
7. McDavid Shoulder Support Brace
However, what sets this device apart from the EVS Sports Brace is its patented HexPad technology, a lightweight, breathable padding system designed to hug the contours of the body for maximum support and protection.
The McDavid shoulder support is a durable, high-quality brace that provides intense compression to facilitate recovery from AC tears and other shoulder injuries.
That said, the compression may be too intense for some. Depending on the severity of your injury and your tolerance for pain, this may not be the right support for you.
Pros
- Available in three sizes.
- It allows a full range of movements.
- Includes hook and loop adjustment system.
- Unisex design.
- It can be worn on any shoulder.
Cons
- Some may find the strap uncomfortable.
- Compression may be too intense for some.
8. Shoulder Brace by SYOSIN
The next shoulder brace on our list of best shoulder brace for torn labrum is the Syosin shoulder brace.
It has a breathable material, essentially made for comfort. The brace is not only made of high-quality material but is also properly constructed to provide stability, support, and comfort for the user.
It has a high-quality double plastic loop design for two-way adjustment and can be worn on any shoulder. It fits arms size of 13 ” – 17 ” and chest: 33 ” – 52 ”. It is unisex.
Pros
- Available in two sizes.
- Breathable and perforated for ventilation and comfort.
- 3-month money-back guarantee
- Super velcro and high-quality hook and loop.
- Universal design for left and right shoulders.
Cons
- It may be too big for some.
Continue reading to find out all you should know about labrum tear or you can jump to Best Shoulder Brace for Torn Labrum
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Immobilize a Rotator Cuff Injury or a Labrum Tear?
It should depend on the severity of the injury. The immobilization must be very short and not for long. You can use a shoulder brace that prevents irregular movements of the shoulder that could worsen the injury. Completely immobilizing the joint for a long time can lead to other complications, such as loss of range of motion.
Does a Broken Rotator Cuff or Labrum Tear Hurt all the time?
The pain is more severe at night and you can wake you up in the morning in pains. It’s more bearable during the day. It also depends on the severity of the injury.
Is Massage Good for Rotator Cuff Injuries and Labrum Tear?
Massage, if done by an expert and done properly, can help circulation in the area and speed up recovery time.
Conclusion
It is essential to get the best shoulder brace for torn labrum. A good shoulder brace will help prevent shoulder injuries and can also be used for rehabilitation.
We are certain that reading through this article on the best shoulder brace for torn labrum has helped you decide on the best shoulder brace for torn labrum that suits you.
However, you should know that we are confident that all of the support braces on our list are top-notch, high-quality devices suitable for the recovery and prevention of various shoulder injuries.
