Superior labrum from anterior to posterior (or "SLAP") tears are labrum tears that most acutely impact the upper arm. SLAP tears are felt most severely in the bicep muscle, where it attaches to the shoulder.

Labrum tears are painful tears to the labrum tissue in the shoulder. The labrum supports the ball-and-socket shoulder joint, muscles, and rotator cuff tendons with shoulder ligaments.

When a labrum tear occurs, it limits the support and stability the labrum can provide to the shoulder. This type of muscular tear causes a feeling of instability and can be accompanied by a grinding or locking sensation.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain, mainly when arms are raised or at night
• Grinding or friction in the shoulder area
• Weakness
• Limited mobility