The shoulder joint is the most unstable joint in the body. This leaves it open to a wide range of injuries. It is also heavily affected by posture which is often a contributor to overuse injuries.
Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder occurs as a result of a force on the arm which causes the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) to pop out of the socket of the joint. The head usually moves forwards, in front of the socket and this is known as an anterior dislocation. Shoulder dislocations often become a recurrent problem after the injury has first occurred, due to soft tissue damage making the joint less stable. This is why it is important to fully rehabilitate the shoulder after such an injury.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, intense pain at the shoulder.
- The shoulder may appear deformed.
- Difficulty in moving the arm or shoulder.
More information on a Dislocated Shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff muscles are four muscles which are located around the shoulder blade and all insert onto the upper arm. They are responsible for stabilising the shoulder joint as well as rotating the shoulder. They are commonly injured in throwing sports. The muscle itself can be injured, usually via a tear from a sudden, forceful movement. The tendons may also be injured. Again they may be torn, or tendonitis may develop which is a degenerative condition of the tendon, caused by overuse or friction.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain at the shoulder joint.
- Pain on rotating the shoulder, especially against resistance.
- It may be tender to touch any of these muscles around the shoulder blade.
More information on a Rotator Cuff Injury.
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement syndrome is a condition where one of the tendons around the shoulder becomes trapped and pinched between two bones on shoulder movements, especially when lifting the arm above the head. It is most frequently one of the rotator cuff tendons which becomes trapped because there is not enough space in the shoulder joint for the tendons to pass through. This is often closely linked to poor posture. Repetitive pinching of the tendon results in pain and swelling which further decreases the space available for the tendon.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain which gradually develops and gets worse and worse.
- Pain in the shoulder when lifting the arm above the head.
- Pain on internal rotation of the shoulder
More information on Shoulder Impingement.
AC Joint Injuries
The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is the joint formed by the end of the collar bone (clavicle) and the acromion process of the shoulder blade. It is located at the top of the shoulder. This injury usually occurs as a result of a fall directly onto the shoulder, or sometimes landing onto an outstretched hand. There tends to be damage to the ligaments which hold these two bones together, so it is sometimes called an AC joint separation.
Symptoms may include:
- Instant pain at the top of the shoulder.
- A bump appears at the top of the shoulder.
- Difficulty lifting the arm up.
More information on AC Joint Separation.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is more accurately known as Adhesive Capsulitis. It occurs for no known reason and most commonly in those aged 40 plus and especially in women. The capsules which surrounds the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and 'sticky' causing the shoulder to stiffen. A frozen shoulder may take anywhere from 3 to 24 months to resolve. Generally treatments and physical therapy may help to reduce symptoms but the condition has to be allowed to run it's course.
Symptoms may include:
- Initial pain in the shoulder for no reason which gradually gets worse.
- The joint then begins to stiffen so it is difficult to raise the arm.
- Pain may ease and the stiffness remains.
More information on Frozen Shoulder.
Visit www.sportsinjuryclinic.net for further information on these and more shoulder injuries.