Shoulder injuries: causes, types, and treatment

The shoulder is one of the most complex and vital joints in the human body, as it allows us the ability to perform diverse and precise movements such as lifting objects, extending, and twisting.

The shoulder is made up of a delicate interweaving of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, giving it a wide range of motion and great strength.

Shoulder injuries are among the most common injuries, especially among athletes and people who engage in activities that require great physical effort. These injuries can have a significant impact on daily life, as they can cause severe pain and restriction of movement.

In this article, we review common types of shoulder injuries, such as shoulder muscle tears, shoulder tendinitis, shoulder dislocation, and rotator cuff injury, as well as symptoms and available treatment methods.

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Muscle Tears

Shoulder muscle tears often occur as a result of muscle overuse or direct injury. The tear can be partial or complete, and may cause severe pain and a feeling of weakness in the shoulder.

This injury is diagnosed through a clinical examination, and the doctor may need an MRI to determine the extent of the tear.

Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a common condition among people who make repetitive shoulder movements, such as lifting heavy objects or playing sports. This inflammation causes pain when moving the shoulder, especially when raising the arm above head level.

Shoulder tendonitis can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation is an injury that occurs when the head of the arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. This injury is often the result of a sports injury or a severe fall. Shoulder dislocation causes severe pain and obvious deformity of the shoulder.

Treatment requires the doctor to return the shoulder to its natural position, followed by a period of rest and physical therapy to restore movement and strength.

Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff injury involves tearing or inflammation of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. This injury can occur as a result of repetitive movement of the shoulder or as a result of a sudden accident.

A rotator cuff injury is treated with rest, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

Symptoms of shoulder injuries vary based on the type and severity of the injury, but there are some common symptoms that may indicate a shoulder injury, including:

• Shoulder pain: It may be acute or chronic.
• Swelling: appears in the affected shoulder area.
• Difficulty moving the shoulder: You may find it difficult to raise the arm or move the shoulder normally.
• Shoulder weakness: You can feel weakness when trying to use the affected shoulder.

Treatment of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries require varying treatment based on the type and severity of the injury. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment. Common treatment methods include:

• Rest: to avoid aggravating the injury.
• Physical therapy: helps strengthen muscles and restore movement.
• Medications: such as anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling.
• Surgery: May be necessary in cases of severe tear or recurrent dislocation.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Prevention is always better than cure. The risk of shoulder injuries can be reduced by practicing muscle-strengthening exercises on a regular basis, avoiding activities that place significant pressure on the shoulder without prior preparation, and also maintaining good posture while sitting and standing.