Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can significantly hinder your daily activities and disrupt your quality of life. The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that allows a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Shoulder pain may manifest as a dull ache, sharp twinges, or stiffness, and it can radiate to the neck, arms, or back. Identifying the specific source of your shoulder pain is crucial for devising an effective and targeted treatment plan.
Common Shoulder Injuries
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear involves damage or a complete tear of one or more of the tendons in the rotator cuff. It can result from repetitive overhead motions or traumatic injuries, leading to shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the bursa (fluid-filled sac) in the shoulder become compressed and irritated, often due to repetitive overhead movements. It can cause pain, especially when lifting the arm.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of shoulder mobility and stiffness. It occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and contracts, limiting movement and causing pain.
Labral Tear
A labral tear involves damage to the labrum, which is the cartilage ring that surrounds the shoulder socket. It can result from sports injuries, falls, or repetitive motions, leading to shoulder pain, weakness, and a feeling of instability.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It can cause pain in the front of the shoulder and may worsen with overhead activities.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that hold the shoulder joint in place become weakened or damaged, leading to excessive movement of the joint. It can result in recurrent shoulder dislocations or subluxations, causing pain, weakness, and a feeling of the shoulder "giving way."