Shoulder
Your shoulder joint is surrounded by a group of muscles, tendons and ligaments that connect the upper arm to the shoulder blade. Because of the high degree of motion in the shoulder, it is easy to sustain an injury to this area and its surrounding structures. In addition, repetitive movements found in daily activities, sports, aging, or a sudden injury to the area could cause shoulder pain.
The two most common problems associated with the shoulder are shoulder instability and rotator cuff injuries.
Instability occurs when a shoulder is forced beyond its range of motion and the patient experiences a dislocation of the shoulder – where the ball joint pops out of the socket – or a partial dislocation, which is called a sublexation.
The muscles in the shoulder, called the rotator cuff, can be damaged as well. The rotator cuff muscles are critical for shoulder stability, and an injury to this area can cause patients to suffer from the following:
- Tendonitis – Repetitive activities such as throwing a ball, swimming, or reaching overhead can strain the tendons and cause inflammation and discomfort
- Impingement – This occurs when the tissue or tendons become swollen and press the soft tissue against the surrounding bone
- Calcific Tendonitis/Calcific Bursitis – A sudden or chronic injury can cause calcium deposits to develop. These hard deposits can irritate the soft tissues of the shoulder joint
- Partial or Complete Tears – The tendon can tear partially or completely, causing pain and weakness in the shoulder
Nonopoerative and surgical treatments vary according to your specific injury. You and your physician will plan the best course of treatment for your specific injury.