Torn labrum

[NS519]

DD was recently diagnosed with a small tear in her labrum. The recommended plan is to rest and rehab with physical therapy. She has not thrown in about a month, has been going to therapy, and is still in pretty significant pain. I know the rehab can take a long time. I was just curious if anyone had a daughter successfully return to softball after rehabbing a torn labrum without surgery?

 

[Passion4theGame]

It is possible.
I had a SS that played for me and tore her labrum. She rehabbed with PT from the Columbus Blue jacket’s hockey organization and was back on the field the following summer. She is now heading into her sophomore season at the D1 level. Arm stronger than ever.

Make sure she doesn’t rush it.

Good Luck. Wish her a speedy recovery.

 

[NS519]

Thank you! We are obviously hoping for no surgery but if anyone has experience with surgery good or bad, I would welcome any info on that too.

 

[yocoach]

I had a pitcher/SS that tore her labrum and needed surgery. It took her about 8 months to get back to it and about 10 months to fully recover. She quit pitching but her overhand throws were harder than ever and like Passion4thegame's player, moved on to play college ball at the D1 level. She's since graduated, gotten married and moved on with her life.

 

[daboss]

All injuries are tough but a labrum takes soooo long to recover from. I have actually had it myself. The deadening pain just hangs on forever. Shots of Cortisone (might have been something else) seemed to help. Check with your Dr about over-the-counter pain meds to take the edge off things. You cannot approach this like a broken arm or leg. Of all things, weightlifters struggle with labrum tears. I was much older and tore both shoulders in a span of less than 6 months in a job-related accident. Had the surgery on 1 that was the worse and even with constant PT it took me a year to be somewhat normal and 2 years before I could pull my arm over my head or put my hand behind my back like before. It was an extensive surgery, basically a reconstructive surgery. I had mine done at Kettering Sports near Dayton, Ohio.

I actually recuperated the other shoulder in less time without surgery. The one with surgery is stronger by a bunch but the one without is very functional but I can't pitch or throw with any power like before.

In fastpitch, the game makes allowances for girls to still play the game. A change in position to lessen a chance to re-injure may need to happen. I didn't see an issue with swinging a bat.

Look, what's important right now is that you AND your daughter know what you are dealing with. She is going to experience a nagging pain for what could be months. Resting it means no activity. Throwing when told not to could possibly reset the clock of recovery back to the very beginning each and every time she breaks the rule. It is relentless. Don't do it!

A light and slight tear may only be 3-6 months before normal again. Don't test resetting that clock due to temptation or an anxious coach that wants her back right now----in the moment. It's not worth the risk. Work on cardio and running technique while waiting on PT to tell her she's ready to test it. Speed kills in this game and just as valuable.

 

[NS519]

Thank you for the insight. Luckily she has very supportive coaches that just want her to heal and no one is putting any pressure on her to rush back.

 

[Admin]

DD was recently diagnosed with a small tear in her labrum. The recommended plan is to rest and rehab with physical therapy. She has not thrown in about a month, has been going to therapy, and is still in pretty significant pain. I know the rehab can take a long time. I was just curious if anyone had a daughter successfully return to softball after rehabbing a torn labrum without surgery?

I'm sorry to hear about the recent diagnosis of a small tear in your labrum. A labral tear is a common injury that can cause pain and discomfort in the hip or shoulder joint, depending on the location of the tear.

Since you mentioned "her," I assume you are referring to a female. Please note that my responses are not gender-specific, but I'll provide some general information about labral tears that can apply to both men and women.

A labral tear is a tear in the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of a ball-and-socket joint like the hip or shoulder. The labrum helps stabilize the joint and provides cushioning to reduce friction between the bones. A tear can occur due to various reasons, including repetitive motions, trauma, or degeneration over time.

The symptoms of a labral tear may include:

1. Pain: Often felt deep in the joint and can be sharp or aching.
2. Limited range of motion: You may experience difficulty moving the joint fully.
3. Clicking or catching sensation: Some people report a clicking or catching feeling in the joint during movement.
4. Instability: The joint may feel unstable or give out in some cases.

Treatment for a labral tear depends on the severity of the tear, the location, and the individual's symptoms. In some cases, conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to manage the pain and improve joint function. However, if conservative measures don't provide relief, or if the tear is severe, surgery may be considered to repair or remove the damaged labral tissue.

It's crucial for the person with the labral tear to consult with an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine doctor to discuss the best treatment options based on their specific situation and medical history.

As with any medical condition, I recommend seeking professional medical advice and following the guidance of qualified healthcare providers to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

 

[CWB1970]

Our family has experience with shoulder labrum surgery, but not with a female softball player. My son is a current college wrestler. Had 1 Labrum surgery his senior year of HS. Did not get back to being allowed back on the mats at all until 8 months. 10 months to compete. 2nd year of college tore the other shoulder's labrum and it was also 10 months til he was back fully. This past season he re-tore labrum from 1st surgery, but in different spot, did not have surgery this last time and did rehab on it. I will honestly tell you he was never the same after the 1st surgery. BUT wrestling is a lot different than softball. Our son really focused on his rehab after each surgery and had excellent medical care. Did not rehab as long on this last injury and I suspect it will be an issue long term. Best of luck recovering and I hope you do not have to go the surgery route. Find a good orthopedic and lean on them.

 

[NS519]

Thank you for sharing. Best wishes for your son!

 

[2024 Catcher]

DD was recently diagnosed with a small tear in her labrum. The recommended plan is to rest and rehab with physical therapy. She has not thrown in about a month, has been going to therapy, and is still in pretty significant pain. I know the rehab can take a long time. I was just curious if anyone had a daughter successfully return to softball after rehabbing a torn labrum without surgery?

What position does your daughter play and how old is she? For one make sure you’re seeing the right orthopedic surgeon through a sports medical group that works with overhead athletes and same for PT as not all are the same. If near Lexington KY or NY city I have great recommendations. My daughter a catcher has had 3 Labral repairs, first two on left and right shoulder both were a fail just never felt right the 2yrs later retore the right shoulder because later found out surgeon over tightened it. Was eventually referred to Lexington Clinic who did outstanding work rehabbing left shoulder and reoperating on right shoulder and a year later both shoulders are amazing. We are in Buffalo NY traveling to KY because they are that great. Now she’s a catcher so a lot of over head throwing. I can go on and one as it was quite the ordeal. Now my daughter before getting that 2nd surgery shortly after retearing it had PRP injections which helped a lot.

 

[NS519]

My daughter is 15 and is a pitcher. I’m curious about the PRP injections. They helped her pain?
I can’t imagine all that you and she have been through. That sounds like a lot as I know it’s not an easy recovery.