Regenexx Logo

Shoulder Labrum Tear Treatment – Nashville, TN

210 23rd Avenue Nashville, TN 37203

On This Page

Patient FAQs

The labrum is a cup-shape rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. It’s the lip of the socket of the ball and socket joint. It helps to connect the socket part of the scapula with the head of the humerus. It makes the socket deeper, creating space for the bones to move, and coats the surface of the socket area with soft cartilage, enabling the shoulder to move more freely and painlessly.

A shoulder labrum tear can be caused by a direct injury to the shoulder or as the result of prolonged wear and tear.1 While labral tears can occur in big traumas, like a car crash or a serious fall, shoulder instability is a cause often missed. 2 Instability can slowly increase after an old injury or a seemingly less traumatic event.

Imagine that the ball of the humerus is a bowling ball and that the labrum a barrier between the lane and gutter.  When the shoulder is stable, the ball stays on the lane. When the shoulder is unstable, the ball continuously goes towards the gutter and hits the barrier (labrum).

Shoulder joint anatomy highlighting the labrum
Labrum – shoulder joint anatomy

The common surgical intervention for labral tears often involves an invasive procedure to reattach the biceps tendon at another location. Labral repair tends to be followed by a long, painful recovery with extensive physical therapy — often with no improvement in mobility and function. Also, labrum surgery frequently fails to address the subtle instability of the shoulder joint that caused the tear, so the shoulder remains unstable and subsequent injuries may occur. 

There has only been one high-level study that compared surgical labral repair compared against a fake surgery. It did not show any difference in outcome between the labral repair surgery and the fake procedure 3. In another study looking at posterior shoulder instability, surgery edged out physical therapy, but the patients knew what procedure they were getting 4. We don’t have much solid evidence that a shoulder labral repair procedure works.

210 23rd Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203

Request an Appointment

Call to Schedule Schedule Online

Doctors

I became a doctor because I wanted to be a part of the noble profession of healing people. I have always believed in the ‘mantra’ of “Do No Harm”. My goal is to treat the patient, not the disease. I have always believed that, while we cannot successfully treat every disease, it is possible to successfully treat every patient. This is, if the goal is to leave the patient physically, or psychologically better, and better informed, after every visit. Whether or not the particular disease was treated at the particular visit. I have learned from my patients as much as I have educated them. I believe a well informed patient does better with treatment. That is why I take the extra time in educating and carrying them along.

I am an interventional physiatrist and rehabilitation specialist. I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of non-surgical spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. I am (ABMS) board certified with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the subspecialty of Pain Medicine.

Since my wife and I settled our young and growing family in Nashville 26 years ago, we have never regretted it. We have raised our kids here and they know, no other home. We reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. I enjoy travelling and Shotokan Karate.

View Full Profile

Dr. Peace, a dedicated and accomplished physician, specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a particular focus on Interventional Pain Management. His unwavering commitment to improving patients’ functionality and overall quality of life sets him apart in the field.

He further advanced his expertise through a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management. This specialized training equipped him with the skills and knowledge to employ innovative and minimally invasive techniques for managing pain. As an interventionist, he goes beyond traditional approaches, utilizing cutting-edge methods to address pain at its source.

With a patient-centric approach, Dr. Peace builds strong, empathetic connections with those under his care. He understands the profound impact that pain can have on one’s life and strives to tailor treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique needs. His commitment extends beyond mere symptom management; he aims to empower individuals to regain control over their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.

A proud graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Peace embarked on his medical journey with a passion for making a tangible impact on the lives of those facing physical challenges. During his residency training at UT Health San Antonio, he distinguished himself, earning the role of Chief Resident. This experience honed his leadership skills and provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Outside the medical realm, Dr. Peace cherishes family time, enjoying moments with his two young boys and beloved dog, adding a touch of warmth and balance to his fulfilling life. Notably, he holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, showcasing his discipline and dedication beyond the realm of medicine.

View Full Profile

Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Woman in telemedicine consult with physician to see if she's a candidate for Regenexx for knee osteoarthritis.

Treat Labral Tears Without Surgery

Regenexx procedures are non-surgical treatments that use your body’s own healing agents to treat shoulder labral tears. Our patients benefit from reduced pain and improved function, helping them avoid shoulder surgery.

Am I a candidate?

Regenexx’s percutaneous labralplasty is a nonsurgical procedure that uses precise imaging guidance and your own healing cells to promote natural healing. Regenexx procedures can be a better alternative for people looking to avoid surgery, lengthy recovery, and overuse of prescription pain medication. They use either platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow concentrate (which contains stem cells). 

The nature and severity of your labral tear (classification type) generally determines if the treatment is right for you. An evaluation by a Regenexx physician is the first step.

Find a Location

Find a physician in licensed Regenexx network.

Labral Tear Repair Patient Stories

I tell people about it all the time, and they find it so hard to grasp…100% and no scars, no downtime….I am so happy with my results and just wanted to say THANKS once again.”

Pilates lover with an active lifestyle – Full patient story

Number 8 [at 3 minutes and 35 seconds] is Matt scoring the winning goal for Penn State lead over Cornell. He had 2 great goals! THANK YOU…he feels great:)”

Mother of a college athlete – Full patient story

Note: Like all medical procedures, Regenexx procedures have a success and failure rate. Not all patients will experience the same results.

Visual representation of regenerative medicine

Webinar: Alternatives to Shoulder Labrum Surgery

Learn the latest about regenerative medicine, and how Regenexx procedures can treat your shoulder labrum injury.

Watch Webinar

Popular Articles On This Topic

Yes, not everyone experiences pain when their labrum is torn. In 2016, a study performed MRIs on patients without shoulder pain who were 45-60 years old, a staggering 55-72% of these people had labral tears. 5 

Yes. When the tear is in the upper part of the labrum, the area where the biceps tendon attaches to the lap of the socket is also commonly torn. When this happens, it’s called a SLAP tear (Superior Labral Tear from Anterior to Posterior).

Request an Appointment

The text option is to provide you with quicker communication. Regenexx is committed to your privacy.

Please note our procedures are only covered by self-funded health plans at this time.

Regenexx is committed to your privacy. We do not sell or share your information to third party vendors. By submitting the form you agree that you’ve read and consent to our Privacy Policy.

How will we communicate with you and provide information about Regenexx? Text is available for quicker response. Message and data rates may apply. Frequency varies. Reply HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe. We may also reach out via email, phone, or other electronic means.

What about health insurance or medical benefits? What may be covered or reimbursed depends on the details of your plan. Insurance typically covers evaluations and diagnostic testing (if recommended) but most do not cover Regenexx Procedures. Some Employer specific Regenexx Benefits plans do also cover Regenexx Procedures. Your plan’s representative can help verify your benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage.

TO TOP