Labral Injuries (SLAP, Bankart & Hill-Sachs Lesions): Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehabilitation
Labral injuries affect the cartilage rim (labrum) that deepens the shoulder socket and contributes to joint stability. These injuries commonly occur with trauma, shoulder dislocation, or repetitive overhead and throwing activities.
At Fit2Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy for labral injuries, including SLAP lesions, Bankart lesions, and Hill‑Sachs lesions, guiding both non-surgical and post-surgical rehabilitation to restore stability, strength, and confidence.
What is the shoulder labrum?
The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid). Its role is to:
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Increase joint stability
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Provide attachment for ligaments and the biceps tendon
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Assist with control during overhead and rotational movements
Injuries to the labrum can compromise shoulder stability and load tolerance, particularly in high-demand positions.
Types of labral injuries
SLAP lesions (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior)
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Involve the top part of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches
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Common in overhead athletes and throwing sports
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May develop gradually or following trauma
Bankart lesions
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Occur at the front-lower portion of the labrum
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Commonly associated with anterior shoulder dislocation
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Contribute to ongoing shoulder instability
Hill‑Sachs lesions
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A compression injury to the head of the humerus
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Occurs during shoulder dislocation when the bone impacts the socket
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Often seen alongside Bankart lesions
These injuries frequently coexist and are best understood in the context of overall shoulder stability rather than isolated structural damage.
Common symptoms
Labral injuries may cause:
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Deep shoulder pain, particularly with overhead or throwing movements
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Catching, clicking, or a feeling of instability
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Sensation of the shoulder slipping or giving way
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Reduced strength or confidence with certain positions
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Pain following a dislocation or traumatic injury
Symptoms vary widely depending on injury type, severity, and activity demands.
Physiotherapy assessment
Accurate assessment is essential, as labral injuries often present alongside rotator cuff weakness, instability, or altered movement patterns.
Our physiotherapists assess:
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Shoulder range of motion and strength
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Stability and control in vulnerable positions
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Scapular and trunk contribution
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Sport, work, and daily activity demands
Clinical findings are interpreted alongside imaging where appropriate.
Do I need imaging?
MRI (often with contrast) may be used to identify labral injury, particularly following trauma or recurrent instability. However, labral changes are also common in pain-free shoulders, so imaging results must be interpreted carefully.
Physiotherapy decisions are guided by symptoms, function, and goals — not imaging alone.
Non-surgical rehabilitation
Many labral injuries are managed successfully without surgery, particularly where shoulder stability can be restored through rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation focuses on:
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Rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
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Neuromuscular control and joint positioning
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Gradual exposure to overhead and rotational loads
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Sport- or work-specific movement retraining
Programs are progressed based on control, confidence, and functional tolerance.
Surgical considerations and post-operative rehab
Surgery may be recommended in cases of:
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Recurrent shoulder dislocation
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Persistent instability despite rehabilitation
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High-demand athletes where stability is critical
Physiotherapy is essential both before and after surgery to optimise outcomes and support safe return to activity.
Return to work and sport
Safe return requires:
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Adequate shoulder strength and stability
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Control in end-range and overhead positions
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Confidence using the arm under load
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Gradual exposure to sport- or work-specific demands
Our physiotherapists guide return to activity using objective testing and progressive loading.
How our physiotherapists help
At Fit2Function Allied Health, we:
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Use evidence-based shoulder stability models
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Individualise rehabilitation programs
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Avoid fear-based explanations
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Focus on long-term shoulder function and confidence
Book a shoulder assessment
If you’ve been diagnosed with a labral injury or are experiencing shoulder instability or pain, our physiotherapists can help clarify your diagnosis and guide effective rehabilitation.
Learn more about shoulder injuries & physiotherapy
Explore our other shoulder condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity strategies:
Rotator Cuff Injuries | Subacromial Pain / Shoulder Impingement | Frozen Shoulder | Shoulder Instability & Dislocation | AC Joint Injuries | Labral Injuries (SLAP, Bankart & Hill-Sachs) | Biceps Tendon Pain / Anterior shoulder pain
Our physiotherapists provide individualised programs focused on restoring movement, strength, and long-term shoulder health.
