Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among athletes, gym-goers, and people with repetitive overhead activities. Two frequently confused conditions are shoulder impingement and labral tears. Understanding the difference helps you seek accurate treatment, whether you visit a shoulder pain clinic in Mulund, a shoulder specialist in Mulund, or an orthopedic shoulder clinic in Mumbai.

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed or irritated during shoulder movement—especially overhead actions.

Key Characteristics (Short, Elaborated Pointers)

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  Pain During Overhead Movements: Lifting your arm above shoulder height becomes painful because the rotator cuff gets squeezed between the shoulder bones.
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  Aching at the Front or Side of the Shoulder: Discomfort usually increases at night or when lying on the affected shoulder.
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  Weakness in Lifting or Reaching: The inflamed tendons fail to glide smoothly, reducing strength and range of motion.
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  Often Linked to Repetitive Activities: Swimming, throwing sports, and gym workouts—especially overhead presses—commonly trigger impingement.

What Is a Labral Tear?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and keeps the joint stable. A labral tear occurs when this cartilage gets damaged due to trauma or repeated stress.

Key Characteristics (Short, Elaborated Pointers)

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  Deep, Sharp Pain in the Shoulder Joint: Pain often feels deeper inside the shoulder, especially during certain movements or lifting heavy objects.
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  Clicking, Popping, or Catching Sensation: A torn labrum can cause instability or a catching feeling due to the disrupted cartilage surface.
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  Reduced Stability of the Shoulder:Athletes may feel the shoulder is “slipping,” especially during overhead or rotational movements.
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  Often Caused by Trauma or Repetitive Strain: Falls, sudden pulling injuries, or repetitive activities like throwing can tear the labrum.

If symptoms persist, consulting a shoulder surgeon in Mumbai is recommended for an accurate assessment.

Key Differences Between Shoulder Impingement and Labral Tears

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  Nature of Pain: Impingement pain is superficial and triggered by overhead movements. Labral tear pain is deeper and may be associated with clicking or catching.
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  Cause of Injury: Impingement comes from inflammation or tendon irritation. Labral tears involve damage to the shoulder cartilage, often related to trauma or instability.
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  Movement Restrictions: Impingement limits overhead strength, while labral tears affect rotational movements and joint stability.

Common Shoulder Pain Causes Related to These Injuries

Repeated overhead activity
Weak or imbalanced rotator cuff muscles
Poor posture or rounded shoulders
Trauma from falls or sudden jerks
Shoulder instability due to ligament laxity

An evaluation at an orthopedic shoulder clinic in Mumbai helps identify the exact cause and prevent long-term shoulder dysfunction.

Treatment Options

For Shoulder Impingement

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy to strengthen the rotator cuff
• Injection therapy, if needed

For Labral Tears

• Rest and structured rehabilitation
• Strengthening the stabilising muscles
• Avoiding overhead strain
• Arthroscopic surgery for severe tears or instability

A shoulder specialist in Mulund can guide you toward the best treatment based on your symptoms and activity levels.

Which injury is more likely to require surgery?

Labral tears are more likely to require surgery, especially if they cause instability, clicking, or repeated shoulder dislocations. Shoulder impingement usually improves with physiotherapy and rarely needs surgery unless severe rotator cuff damage is present.

Can shoulder impingement lead to a labral tear?

Yes. Chronic impingement can weaken the shoulder mechanics over time. If not treated, it may contribute to abnormal movement patterns and increase the risk of labral tears. Early diagnosis at a shoulder pain clinic in Mulund helps prevent further damage.