Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) rehabilitation in the overhead athlete

Abstract

Due to the complexity of shoulder pathomechanics in the overhead athlete, injuries located in the superior aspect of the glenoid, known as superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, are often a surgical and rehabilitation challenge. In an effort to determine surgical versus conservative care of SLAP lesions a thorough clinical examination and evaluation are necessary. If surgery is identified as the treatment of choice, post operative rehabilitation will vary pending surgical findings including the extent and location of the SLAP lesion, and other concomitant findings and procedures. This manuscript will provide an overview of the pathology, examination and evaluation of SLAP lesions, surgical management and post operative rehabilitation following various SLAP categories.