Shoulder Trauma

Shoulder injuries often occur in athletes participating in overhead sports such as swimming, tennis, and baseball, and are also very common in high energy sports like skiing or snowboarding. Many shoulder injuries are caused by overuse or repetitive motion of the arms.

Shoulder injuries cause pain, stiffness, restricted movements, difficulty in performing routine activities, and sometimes a popping sensation.

Some of the common shoulder injuries include sprains and strains, dislocations, tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injury, fractures, and arthritis.

• Sprains and strains: A sprain is stretching or tearing of ligaments (tissues that connect adjacent bones in a joint). It is a common injury and usually occurs when you fall or suddenly twist. A strain is stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon (tissues that connect muscle to bone). It is common in people participating in sports. Strains are usually caused by twisting or pulling of the tendons.
• Dislocations: A shoulder dislocation is an injury that occurs when the humerus is forced out of its position in the shoulder joint. It is often caused by a fall or direct blow to the joint while playing contact sports.
• Tendinitis:Is inflammation of a tendon, a tissue that connects muscles to bone. It occurs as a result of injury or overuse.
• Bursitis: Is inflammation of a fluid filled sac called a bursa that protects and cushions your joints. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, injury, arthritis, gout, or infection.
• Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together. Rotator cuff muscles allow you to move your arm up and down. Rotator cuff injuries often cause a decreased range of motion.
• Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone that commonly occurs as a result of injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of shoulder arthritis, characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.

Early treatment is necessary to prevent serious shoulder injuries. The immediate mode of treatment recommended for shoulder injuries is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the swelling and pain.

Your doctor may recommend a series of exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and to regain shoulder movement.