A SLAP tear is a specific injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines your shoulder socket. SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior. This describes a tear at the top of the labrum where your biceps tendon attaches.
The injury can happen from a sudden fall, a shoulder dislocation, or years of repetitive overhead motion. When rest, medication, and physical therapy do not relieve your pain, SLAP repair surgery becomes an important treatment option. Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, provides this advanced arthroscopic procedure for patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
SLAP Repair Surgery Overview
SLAP repair is an arthroscopic procedure that fixes the torn labrum in your shoulder. The labrum is a soft rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and helps stabilize the ball of your upper arm bone. During the surgery, your surgeon makes small incisions to insert a tiny camera and specialized instruments.
The torn portion of the labrum is reattached to the bone of the shoulder socket using small suture anchors. This restores the natural bumper and stabilizes the joint.
Most patients return home the same day.
Symptoms Of A SLAP Tear
A SLAP tear can cause several distinct symptoms that interfere with daily life and athletic performance. You may feel a deep, aching pain in the front or top of your shoulder. Many people describe a catching, locking, or popping sensation when they move their arm.
Your shoulder might feel unstable, as if it could slip out of place. You may also notice a decrease in your range of motion and strength, especially with overhead activities.
Throwing athletes and weightlifters often report a loss of power and control. These symptoms typically worsen with repetitive use and may not improve with rest alone.
Who Needs SLAP Repair Surgery
Surgery is not the first step. Dr. Jazayeri always explores non-surgical options before recommending a procedure. You may be a candidate for SLAP repair if you have tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or steroidal injections without lasting relief.
Younger, active patients and those who use repetitive overhead motions for sport or work often benefit most from surgical repair. The decision also depends on the type and severity of the tear. A thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and advanced imaging, helps determine if arthroscopic repair is the right path for your shoulder.
The Arthroscopic Procedure Explained
SLAP repair is performed using an arthroscope, a small fiber-optic camera that projects a clear view of your joint onto a monitor. Your surgeon makes two or three tiny incisions around the shoulder. The torn labrum is carefully assessed.
If the tissue is healthy enough for repair, the surgeon prepares the bone surface on the glenoid, the shoulder socket. Small anchors pre-loaded with strong sutures are placed into the bone.
The sutures are passed through the labrum and tied, securing the cartilage back to its original position. This minimally invasive technique reduces trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues.
Recovery Timeline After SLAP Repair
Recovery follows a structured, gradual timeline. You will wear a sling for the first three to four weeks to protect the repair. During this phase, you can perform gentle elbow and hand movements, but active shoulder motion is restricted.
Around week four to six, you will begin passive range-of-motion exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist. Strengthening typically starts after eight to twelve weeks.
Full return to sports or heavy lifting can take four to six months or longer. Dr. Jazayeri monitors your progress closely and uses a prehabilitation strategy before surgery to prepare your body for a smoother recovery.
Rehabilitation Strategies For Shoulder Recovery
Rehabilitation is the most critical part of your outcome. A structured physical therapy program restores your motion, rebuilds strength, and retrains the muscles that stabilize your shoulder blade. Dr. Jazayeri integrates nutritional and metabolic optimization into his recovery protocols.
This includes preoperative lab testing for Vitamin D, inflammatory markers, and muscle status, with targeted supplementation when needed. His approach is backed by his own peer-reviewed research.
He also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, giving you remote support and guided exercises. Consistency with your program is the single most important factor you control.
Benefits Of Choosing SLAP Repair
The primary goal of SLAP repair is to eliminate the mechanical symptoms and pain caused by the tear. By reattaching the labrum, the procedure restores the natural stability of your shoulder joint. This can allow you to return to the sports and activities you enjoy without the fear of your shoulder catching or slipping.
The arthroscopic approach uses small incisions, which typically results in less postoperative pain and a lower risk of stiffness compared to open surgery. For patients in Los Angeles who have not found relief with conservative care, the procedure offers a path back to an active, pain-free life.
Virtual Consultations For Patients In California
You do not need to live in Los Angeles to access specialized shoulder care. Dr. Jazayeri offers virtual consultations for patients across California and beyond. This option lets you discuss your shoulder symptoms, review your imaging, and learn about SLAP repair from your home.
A virtual visit is a convenient first step if you are searching for a second opinion or want to understand your treatment options before traveling. The process is straightforward and respects your privacy. You receive the same level of detailed education and honest guidance you would during an in-person appointment at the Los Angeles practice.
Collarbone Fractures (Clavicle Fractures):
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With a Plate and Suture Implant Animation
This animated video demonstrates the use of a plate, screws, and suture button implant to repair a break in the collarbone.
Watch: Arthrex® Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair Using Coracoid Fixation
Frequently Asked Questions About SLAP Repair Surgery
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A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum in your shoulder. It occurs at the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches, often causing pain and instability.
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SLAP repair is done using arthroscopy, which involves small incisions and a tiny camera. The surgeon reattaches the torn labrum to the shoulder socket using anchors and sutures.
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Recovery includes wearing a sling for several weeks to protect the shoulder. Physical therapy starts gradually, with full recovery taking several months, depending on individual progress.
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Good candidates are usually younger, active individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments. A thorough evaluation helps determine if surgery is the right choice.
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Yes, virtual consultations are available for patients across California. This allows you to discuss your symptoms and treatment options from the comfort of your home.
Why Choose Us For Your SLAP Repair?
When it comes to SLAP repair surgery, you want a surgeon who understands your needs. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
He specializes in shoulder injuries and has treated many athletes and active adults in the Greater Los Angeles area. His focus is on using advanced techniques to help you get back to your favorite activities.
We prioritize your care. Dr. Jazayeri explores non-surgical options before recommending surgery.
If surgery is needed, he uses minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time. Our approach includes personalized rehabilitation strategies, ensuring you receive the best support throughout your recovery journey.
Choosing us means you get a dedicated team that values your health and well-being. We are here to guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your recovery after SLAP repair. Your journey to a pain-free shoulder starts with us.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Can’t recommend Dr. Jazayeri enough. He truly cares for his patients and has been there every step of the way for my shoulder surgeries, ready to answer any questions or concerns. I couldn’t have asked for a better orthopedic surgeon.
Schedule Your Consultation For SLAP Repair
If shoulder pain and instability are keeping you from the activities you love, it is time to take the next step. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes and active adults.
His practice serves patients in Los Angeles, with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities. To discuss SLAP repair and find out if it is right for you, schedule your consultation today. A clear plan for your recovery starts with one conversation.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
