The labrum in a shoulder is a rubber-like cup that deepens the socket for the ball to fit into.
When a baseball pitcher tears his labrum, it usually is at the top of the labrum and it is called a SLAP Tear.
From a biomechanical standpoint, a SLAP Tear can occur when the upper arm/elbow is raised above shoulder height. Because the muscle in front of the upper arm, called the bicep, is connected to the labrum, this "elbow-high" position places a traction or pull on the labrum. When the upper arm internally rotates (hand pointed down position), there is a "wringing-out" stress added to the traction force. These two forces combine to cause a tremendous amount of stress at the labrum. Over time the labrum can actually tear as in the illustration above.
How can you tell if a pitcher is doing this to his arm? I use high speed video analysis to slow down the pitcher's motion to determine if this, and other mechanical flaws, are present.
Look at the picture below and notice the "M" or upside-down "W" in this pitcher's motion. This "golden arches" sign indicates a pitcher is succeptible to a SLAP Tear. The young man in this picture has a very LARGE labrum tear.
Does your pitching motion resemble this young man's? Are you succeptible to a SLAP Tear or other musculoskeletal injury?
For more information on video analysis of pitching mechanics, visit www.athletictrainingandconditioning.com
Wishing you health and success,
Joe
