Labral Tear Treatment in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD treats shoulder labral tears with and without surgery, evaluated and treated at four Massachusetts offices.
Call 978-969-3624
What is a shoulder labral tear, and how is it treated?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing depth and stability to the joint. A labral tear can cause pain, catching, and instability. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket (glenoid) that deepens it and helps hold the ball of the upper arm bone in place.
Dr. McLaughlin treats labral tears with and without surgery. Treatment options include physical therapy, cortisone injections, PRP injections, and arthroscopic repair. Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly.
Call 978-969-3624 to schedule an evaluation. Same-day or next-day appointments available.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Types treated Labral tears
- Non-surgical Physical therapy, injections
- Surgical Arthroscopic labral repair
- Surgery location Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center
- Appointments Same-day or next-day at four offices
Labral tear treatment options
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each labral tear and recommends the appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of the injury.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy strengthens the shoulder muscles and improves stability. Expedited referrals are available when needed.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections can reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder, allowing for recovery and rehabilitation.
Learn more →PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may support tissue healing. PRP is $750 per injection at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Learn more →Arthroscopic repair
When surgery is needed, Dr. McLaughlin performs arthroscopic labral repair, reattaching the torn labrum to the socket with small anchors and sutures. Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center, Beverly.
Types of shoulder labral tears
Labral tears are usually described by where they occur on the socket. A SLAP tear affects the top of the labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches, and is often linked to repeated overhead activity such as throwing. A Bankart tear affects the front lower part of the labrum and commonly follows a shoulder dislocation. A posterior tear affects the back of the labrum. Some tears come from wear over time rather than a single injury. Knowing the type of tear helps guide treatment.
Labral tear symptoms and diagnosis
A labral tear can cause a deep ache in the shoulder, clicking, popping or catching with movement, pain with overhead activity, weakness, or a feeling that the shoulder is loose. Diagnosis starts with a conversation about how the symptoms began and a hands-on examination of the shoulder. Imaging may be needed to see the labrum, often an MRI and sometimes an MRI with contrast dye (an MR arthrogram). Expedited MRI options are available.
Labral tear questions
What is a labral tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing depth and stability to the shoulder joint. A labral tear can cause pain, catching, and instability.
How is a labral tear treated?
Labral tears can be treated with and without surgery. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each injury and discusses treatment options, including physical therapy, injections, and arthroscopic repair.
Can a labral tear heal without surgery?
Many labral tears are first treated without surgery, with physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder, along with injections when pain limits progress. Surgery is considered when symptoms continue or the shoulder remains unstable. Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each tear and discusses all options.
What is the difference between a SLAP tear and a Bankart tear?
A SLAP tear involves the top of the labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches. A Bankart tear involves the front lower part of the labrum and is often linked to a dislocation. Both can be treated with or without surgery, depending on symptoms and activity level.
Which labral tear surgeries does Dr. McLaughlin perform?
When surgery is needed, Dr. McLaughlin performs SLAP repair for tears at the top of the labrum and Bankart repair for tears at the front of the labrum.
What is recovery like after labral repair?
After arthroscopic labral repair, the arm usually rests in a sling for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore motion and then strength. Returning to sports, especially throwing and overhead sports, takes several months.
Labral tear care at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions