Shoulder pain and weakness are some of the most common reasons people seek help from a medical professional. The design of the shoulder as a ball and socket joint whereas the rounded head of the humerus articulates with the cup-like depression of the scapula giving it a wide degree of movement is why the shoulder is so commonly injured.
This joint is held together by an extensive group of muscles and ligaments that can be weakened by certain types of repetitive forces. Most of the problems of the shoulder involve:
- The muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
Athletes are more susceptible to shoulder injuries due to excessive repetitive overhead training, although over time we are all susceptible to shoulder injuries from everyday tasks.
Rotator Cuff Tears:
A rotator cuff tear occurs when the muscle or tendon is torn whether partial or full thickness. The role of the rotator cuff is to keep the ball of your upper arm bone (humerus) safely within the shallow shoulder socket of the shoulder. The RTC is a group of 4 muscles and tendons that surround the joint to control movement and stability of the joint. People that perform repetitive overhead activity in their sport or job are more susceptible to injury.
Symptoms:
- Dull ache that originates deep in the shoulder joint
- Weakness or pain in the arm and can cause difficulty or inability to reach behind your back or overhead
- Pain that often disturbs your sleep, especially when lying on the injured shoulder.
Dislocated Shoulder/Shoulder Instability:
This is a condition in which the upper part of the bone pops/slides out of its socket. Often times when ligaments, tendons and muscles become loosened or more commonly weakened the unstable shoulder is more susceptible to injury.
Symptoms:
- Pain associated with movement
- Almost a feeling as if your shoulder is going to slide or “pop out”
- Muscles spasms in you shoulder or neck
In most severe cases you can visible see the dislocation and one will not be able to move their arm.
Shoulder impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis:
Both athletes and middle aged people experience symptoms often again from repetitive movements most likely due to poor postural positioning or a change in the mechanics of a overhead movement due to muscular fatigue.
Symptoms:
- Soreness/Inflammation in the front of the shoulder
- Stiffness and pain when lifting or reaching behind your back
- One may also have pain at night especially lying on affected side.
More on Shoulder Impingement: https://loudounsportstherapy.com/?p=9026&preview=true
If you are having any pain or loss of function of your shoulder, don’t hesitate to have one of our physical therapists take a look at it right away and get you back to normal!
By Angie Austin, LPTA
