Shoulder sprains, strains, and tears are among the most frequently reported injuries, causing over seven million Americans to visit their doctor’s office every year. In most cases, patients incite shoulder injuries through excessive, repetitive overhead motions.

Activities such as swimming, tennis, pitching and weightlifting commonly agitate the shoulder to the point of injuries. However, everyday activities like hanging curtains or gardening can potentially lead to injury as well.

Injuries of the shoulder are grouped into two categories:

INSTABILITY

When one shoulder joint is forced outside of its normal range this is considered instability.  This condition typically results in dislocation of one of the shoulder joints. Patients suffering from instability injuries experience pain when raising their arms. It may also feel as if the shoulder is slipping out of place.

IMPINGEMENT

Impingement is the result of excessive rubbing of the shoulder muscle against the acromion. Activities requiring excessive overhead arm motion encourage impingement problems. Seek care immediately for inflammation in the shoulder, these injuries have the develop quickly.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES

The rotator cuff is one of the most important segments of the shoulder. The group of muscles and tendons hold the bones of the shoulder joint together, and facilitate motion. Each muscle works in unison to allow for overhead movement. In many cases, individuals who suffer from rotator cuff injuries do not fully recover. The rotator cuff is a complex group of muscles and injury can damage the connection between each muscle permanently.