You need your shoulders for pretty much anything you do in life. Jonas Jennings is going to know what it's like to live without the use of a shoulder since he tore his labrum.Jennings was the most expensive free agent signing in the offseason for the San Francisco 49ers.

What is a labrum? The labrum is a generic term for fibrous cartilage around a joint. In this case, Jennings tore his glenoid labrum that serves to help the arm (humerus) connect to the wing bone (scapula).

How do you tear a labrum? You either get it from repetitive motions such a stacking a large number of boxes at a high height, or from trauma to the area. The trauma can include falling on an outstretched arm, or a sudden pull or violent involving the shoulder.

What are the symptoms of a torn labrum?

• Decreased range of motion
• Decreased shoulder strength
• Pain in the shoulder area

What is the treatment for a torn labrum? In most cases the injury can be treated with an anti-inflammatory medicine and exercises specifically designed to strengthen the shoulder. In rare cases, such as Jonas Jennings, arthroscopic surgery is called for.

How long does it take to recover from a torn labrum? Depending on the severity it will take between 4 weeks and 4 months.