If the shoulder is very unstable, it may slip or dislocate, which can also cause the labrum to tear. The biceps tendon attaches to the front part of the labrum. The biceps are the big muscles on the front of your upper arm. Sports can cause injuries to the labrum when the biceps tendon pulls sharply against the front of the labrum. Baseball pitchers are prone to labral tears because the action of throwing causes the biceps tendon to pull strongly against the top part of the labrum.
Weightlifters can have similar problems when pressing weights overhead.
Golfers may tear their labrum if their club strikes the ground during the golf swing. The main symptom caused by a labral tear is a sharp pop or catching sensation in the shoulder during certain shoulder movements. This may be followed by a vague aching for several hours. At other times, the tear may not cause pain at all. Your doctor may suspect a labral tear based on your medical history.