Common Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is one of the most highly used muscle groups in the body. It is employed during most upper-body movements, including pushing, reaching and lifting objects. Consequently, the shoulder can be susceptible to injuries--both in the muscles and bones. Bodybuilders, athletes and highly active people are particularly vulnerable to shoulder injuries. There are a number of shoulder injuries which one can suffer.

Shoulder Strains & Tendinits

Most shoulder strains occur in the deltoids or upper biceps (beneath deltoids) area. Shoulder strains are caused by overuse of the deltoids or lifting too much weight. Strains usually heal on their own.

People get tendinitis when there is an inflammation of the tendons and the bursa that surround the tendons. The medical term is "impingement syndrome." Tendinitis is often caused when there is friction between the top of the humerus (arm bone) and the acromium, an extension of the scapula bone. One who suffers from tendinitis can have pain at night while sleeping or when they raise their arm over their head.

Contusions

A contusion is a bruise. People can bruise any area of their shoulder by playing contact sports, falling or if they are involved in a car wreck. Bruises can cause a lot of pain but they are usually not serious. They usually heal on their own, but it is important to rest any bruised shoulder muscle.

Torn Rotator Cuff

Another common shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles that support movement of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint. People can tear any of these tendons by lifting heavy weights for many years, or because of age. Symptoms include pain on top of the shoulder or along the outside of the arm to the elbow. Rotator cuff tears can make it difficult to lift the arm above shoulder level or reach for things. The majority of rotator cuff tears can heal on their own, but surgery is sometimes required.

Labral Tear

The labrum is a band of cartilage that allows the humerus bone to move around freely. Labral tears can cause pain and aching during certain movements and activities. There are several types of labral tears. Baseball players sometimes get SLAP tears, where the biceps tendon is deattached. Bankart lesions usually occur when the shoulder is dislocated or pops out of the joint. And posterior labral tears occur at the rear of the shoulder, when the labrum and rotator cuff are pinched together.. Most labral tears will heal without surgery as the cartilage is regenerated.

Shoulder Separation

Shoulder separations occur at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle and scapula bones are connected. This area is called the acromioclavicular joint. A shoulder separation is normally caused by a fall or sharp blow at the top of the shoulder. In most cases, the ligament, nerves and surrounding tissues are injured. However, sometimes one can suffer a fractured bone, as well. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling and sometimes bruising. A lump can also be present in more serious injuries. Shoulder separations are usually treated with ice and rest. Slings are used to prevent movement and foster healing. Type III shoulder separations (there are three types I,II and III) usually require surgery.

References

• Hopkinsortho.org; "What Is A Labral Tear?"; 2009.

Resources

• Amercian Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2009.

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