Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms: When Shoulder Pain Isn’t Just a Strain

ByBob Burns

Updated April 15, 2025

What Is the Labrum, and Why Does It Matter?

Let’s start with a quick anatomy check. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, but the “socket” is actually quite shallow. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens this socket, helping to keep the head of your upper arm bone in place. It’s small, but it’s crucial for shoulder stability.

When the labrum tears—whether from an injury, overuse, or even just wear and tear—it can throw off the entire function of your shoulder. Movements might feel awkward or painful, and in some cases, the joint can start to feel like it’s slipping out of place.

There are a few types of labral tears. The most common are SLAP tears (short for “superior labrum anterior to posterior”), often seen in athletes or people who do a lot of overhead lifting. Bankart tears usually happen after a dislocation. Degenerative labral tears can also occur more gradually with age.

So… What Does a Labrum Tear Actually Feel Like?

Here’s where things get tricky: not all labrum tears are dramatic. You might not feel a sharp pain. You might just notice that your shoulder isn’t moving like it used to—or that it’s making weird sounds.

A common sign is a deep, dull ache in the shoulder joint. For some, it’s mild but constant. For others, it flares up only when doing certain motions, like lifting a bag overhead or reaching behind you. It can even interfere with sleep if you tend to lie on the affected side.

People also report sensations like popping, clicking, or catching in the joint. These aren’t just “weird noises”—they’re signs that the shoulder isn’t tracking smoothly. And while it might not hurt every time, those mechanical symptoms usually mean something’s irritated or out of alignment.

Shoulder weakness is another common experience. Things that used to be easy—like opening a heavy door or carrying groceries—can suddenly feel harder, or your shoulder may fatigue faster than it used to. Sometimes it’s not full-blown weakness, but more of a sense that the shoulder isn’t fully “trustworthy” anymore.

In more severe cases, people describe a feeling that the shoulder is unstable or might pop out of place. That “slipping” sensation can happen if the labrum tear is affecting the shoulder capsule’s ability to hold everything together.

Is It Definitely a Labrum Tear? (And What Else Could It Be?)

That’s the thing: other shoulder issues can feel really similar. A rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, bursitis, or even frozen shoulder can all cause pain, limited motion, and discomfort during overhead movement. The difference often lies in how the symptoms started, where the pain is located, and what aggravates it.

If your pain started after a fall, heavy lift, or shoulder dislocation, and you now have clicking or instability, a labrum tear jumps to the top of the list. But to really confirm it, you’ll likely need an exam that includes specific movement tests and possibly an MRI with contrast.

When to See a Doctor

If your shoulder pain hasn’t gone away after a few weeks—or if it’s affecting your ability to lift, reach, or sleep comfortably—it’s worth getting checked out. This is especially true if you’re noticing things like:

• A clicking or catching sensation when you move your shoulder

• Feeling like your shoulder could pop out or is less stable than usual

Those aren’t just signs of soreness—they’re signals that something in the joint isn’t working the way it should. And if your symptoms followed an injury or trauma, don’t wait. Labrum tears are often easier to manage when addressed early.

What Can You Do About It?

Not every labrum tear needs surgery. Many people recover well with non-invasive treatments like physical therapy and targeted strengthening. Rehab focuses on building the muscles that support the shoulder joint and improving range of motion.

You may also be advised to temporarily avoid movements that stress the joint, especially overhead lifting. Anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections can sometimes help manage pain and inflammation while your shoulder heals.

In more significant cases—especially if the shoulder is unstable or the tear is large—arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. Recovery from surgery can take a few months, but most people regain full use of their shoulder with the right rehab plan.

The Takeaway

A shoulder labrum tear might not be the first thing you think of when pain shows up—but if your shoulder feels unstable, clicks during movement, or just won’t bounce back after an injury, it’s a possibility worth exploring. These symptoms are often subtle at first, but they can get worse without the right support. The good news? With early care, recovery is very possible—and you can get back to using your shoulder with confidence.