A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior labrum of your shoulder, where the biceps tendon attaches. The term stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. This injury can cause deep shoulder pain and instability.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. He completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes and active adults dealing with SLAP tears in the greater Los Angeles area.
SLAP Tear Overview And Causes
A SLAP tear damages the ring of cartilage called the labrum that cushions your shoulder socket. The injury happens at the top of the socket where the biceps tendon connects. You can get a SLAP tear from a sudden injury, like falling on an outstretched arm.
Repetitive overhead motions also cause it. Baseball pitchers, tennis players, and weightlifters face higher risk. The labrum can fray over time from normal wear and tear.
Lifting a heavy object suddenly or a shoulder dislocation can also tear the labrum. Dr. Jazayeri sees these injuries often in athletes and active adults throughout Los Angeles.
Common Symptoms Of SLAP Tears
You may feel a deep, aching pain inside your shoulder joint. The pain often gets worse with overhead movements or when you lift something. A catching, locking, or popping sensation is common.
Your shoulder might feel unstable or like it could slip out of place. You may notice a decrease in shoulder strength and range of motion. Everyday tasks like reaching into a cabinet or throwing a ball can become painful.
Some people feel pain when sleeping on the affected side. These symptoms can mimic other shoulder problems, so a clear diagnosis matters.
Diagnostic Methods For SLAP Tears
Dr. Jazayeri starts with a thorough medical history and physical exam. He will move your arm into specific positions to test for labral involvement. Several physical exam tests can point toward a SLAP tear.
An MRI with contrast dye often provides the clearest image of the labrum. This advanced imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and shows the tear’s location and severity. In some cases, the full extent of the injury only becomes clear during arthroscopic surgery.
Dr. Jazayeri uses his sports medicine training to distinguish SLAP tears from other shoulder conditions. His fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic gave him deep experience with these complex diagnoses.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options For SLAP Tears
Many SLAP tears improve without surgery. Dr. Jazayeri follows a non-surgical-first approach for shoulder injuries. Rest and activity modification let the inflammation settle.
Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain in the early phase. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. This improves joint mechanics and reduces strain on the torn labrum.
You may benefit from biologic injections like PRP to support the healing environment. Dr. Jazayeri has specific expertise in orthobiologics and regenerative medicine.
He may also address nutritional factors that affect tissue healing. Patients in Los Angeles often find these conservative measures provide meaningful relief.
Surgical Approaches For SLAP Tear Repair
Surgery becomes an option when non-surgical care does not relieve your symptoms. The procedure is usually done arthroscopically through small incisions. Dr. Jazayeri applies minimally invasive techniques across all his shoulder surgeries.
One approach is a SLAP repair, where the torn labrum is reattached to the bone with sutures and anchors. Another option is a biceps tenodesis, which moves the biceps tendon attachment to a different location. The choice depends on your age, activity level, and the tear pattern.
Dr. Jazayeri may use his Bio-Fertilization Technique to combine biologic augmentation with the repair. This framework supports the body’s natural healing response at the surgical site.
Rehabilitation Strategies After SLAP Tear Treatment
Rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength and function to your shoulder. A structured program guides you through protected phases of healing. You will typically wear a sling for a period to protect the repair.
Early therapy focuses on gentle passive motion to prevent stiffness. You gradually progress to active motion and then strengthening exercises. Dr. Jazayeri incorporates prehabilitation before surgery to prepare your body for recovery.
He also uses a digital rehab partnership with myHealthTrack for remote recovery support. This helps patients across Los Angeles and beyond stay on track. Full recovery can take several months, and following the protocol closely reduces the risk of re-injury.
Preventing Future SLAP Tears
You can lower your risk of a new injury with consistent shoulder maintenance. Keep your rotator cuff and scapular muscles strong and balanced. Use proper technique during overhead sports and lifting activities.
Warm up thoroughly before activity and avoid sudden increases in training intensity. Address shoulder fatigue early before it leads to poor mechanics. Dr. Jazayeri focuses on musculoskeletal longevity and healthspan for his patients.
He may recommend targeted supplementation based on preoperative lab testing. This metabolic optimization is a standard part of his surgical protocol.
It is backed by his own peer-reviewed research. Building durable shoulders helps you stay active in Los Angeles and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLAP Tears
-
A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum in the shoulder, specifically where the biceps tendon attaches. It can happen from sudden trauma or repetitive overhead activities, causing pain and instability in the shoulder.
-
Common symptoms include deep shoulder pain, a popping sensation, and decreased range of motion. You might also feel instability in the shoulder and pain during overhead movements or while lifting objects.
-
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests like an MRI can help confirm the diagnosis and show the tear’s location and severity.
-
Treatment often starts with non-surgical methods like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms persist, surgical options like arthroscopic repair may be considered.
-
Recovery involves a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and function. This may include wearing a sling and gradually progressing through different phases of therapy over several months.
Why Choose Us For SLAP Tear Care
When it comes to SLAP tears, you want a provider with the right experience. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. With over 15 years of treating athletes and active adults, he understands the unique challenges of SLAP tears.
We focus on a non-surgical-first approach. This means we explore options like physical therapy and biologic injections before considering surgery.
If surgery is needed, Dr. Jazayeri uses minimally invasive techniques to help you recover faster. Our goal is to get you back to your activities safely and effectively.
Located in the Greater Los Angeles area, we are easily accessible for patients from Beverly Hills and beyond. Dr. Jazayeri’s training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic ensures you receive top-notch care personalized to your needs.
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.
Dr. Jazayeri walked into the operating room and gave a pep talk to his assistants which was like a football coach pumping up his team. I immediately felt confident and relaxed. He then repaired my rotator cuff which was not only torn but was shredded. He did an awesome job! Even now, almost 16 months post surgery he is always available for advice and consultations. I am back to playing tennis 2 to 3 times a week at age 76. I feel lucky to have had him as my surgeon. Loren.
Schedule Your Consultation For SLAP Tear Care
If shoulder pain is limiting your activities, a clear diagnosis is the first step. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. He brings over 15 years of experience treating SLAP tears in athletes, active adults, and combat sports practitioners.
He serves patients in Los Angeles with convenient access for those in Beverly Hills and surrounding communities. Virtual consultations are available for patients across California and beyond. Contact the practice today to schedule your evaluation and discuss a treatment plan built around your goals.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
