Tips

Common Shoulder Conditions

The shoulder comprises several joints that are held in place by tendons, muscles, and ligaments to allow a wide range of motion to the arm. It is the most mobile and one of the most potentially unstable joints in the body. Most shoulder problems involve the soft tissues: muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Early intervention is the key to preventing serious shoulder injuries. You should seek medical advice if pain is consistent or intense, especially at night, or does not subside within 72 hours of home care.

Frozen Shoulder

People with adhesive capsulitis, or “frozen shoulder,” experience pain, stiffness, and severely restricted movement of the shoulder. This condition can be caused by injury, surgery, or may come on with no apparent cause.

Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendonitis

Shoulder impingement is an inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendons. It is generally a result of improper shoulder mechanics exacerbated by overuse activities, degenerative changes, poor posture, or acute injury. Shoulder tendinitis may be accompanied by bursitis, which can cause pain when you move or put pressure on the area.

Rotator cuff tear

The rotator cuff muscles are essential for raising, lowering, and rotating the shoulder. Rotator cuff muscles and tendons can tear as a result of trauma, activities involving repeated overhead motion, or weakness and degeneration associated with aging. A major rotator cuff tear may require surgery.