Common Shoulder Injuries and How They’re Treated

Common Shoulder Injuries and How They’re Treated

Your shoulders play a huge role in everyday life. From reaching for a shelf, carrying groceries, or throwing a ball, the shoulder joint is always at work. Because it’s one of the most flexible and complex joints in the body, it’s also one of the most vulnerable to injury.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common injuries of the shoulder, their causes, symptoms to watch for, and the treatments that can help restore strength and mobility.

Whether you’re recovering from a recent injury or simply want to understand your options, this guide will provide clear, reliable information to help you take the next step.

Common Shoulder Injuries

#1 Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize your shoulder. Tears often happen from repetitive overhead movements, sports like baseball or tennis, or even simple wear and tear with age.

  • Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, weakness, and limited range of motion with an outstretched arm.
  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

#2 Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when tendons in the shoulder rub against surrounding tissue or bone, causing pain. It’s common among athletes who swim, pitch, or lift weights.

  • Symptoms: Sharp pain when reaching overhead, stiffness, and weakness.
  • Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and posture correction.

 

most common shoulder injuries

#3 Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of its shoulder socket. This can occur from a fall, sports injury, or sudden accident.

  • Symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, visible deformity, and inability to move the arm.
  • Treatment: Immediate medical care to reset the joint, followed by rehabilitation.

#4 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder develops when the shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight, restricting movement. It usually develops gradually and is more common in people with diabetes or after prolonged immobility.

  • Symptoms: Gradual onset of stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
  • Treatment: Physical therapy program, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes steroid injections.

#5 Labral Tear (SLAP Tear)

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder. Tears can result from sports injuries, falls, or heavy lifting.

  • Symptoms: Clicking, popping, instability, and pain during overhead movements.
  • Treatment: Rest, therapy, and arthroscopic surgery in severe cases.

#6 Tendonitis or Bursitis

Repetitive use can inflame the tendons (tendonitis) or fluid-filled sacs (bursitis) in the shoulder.

  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the shoulder.
  • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and guided exercises.

#7 Arthritis of the Shoulder

Arthritis causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear down, leading to pain and stiffness. It can develop from aging, old injuries, or autoimmune conditions.

  • Symptoms: Pain, grinding sensation, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
  • Treatment: Lifestyle modifications, therapy, medications, or shoulder replacement surgery in advanced cases.

Causes and Risk Factors

Shoulder injuries don’t happen by chance; understanding the most common causes and risk factors can help you protect your shoulders and spot problems before they become serious.

  • Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Common in athletes and workers who use their affected arms overhead frequently.
  • Aging and Degeneration: Natural wear and tear increase the risk of common orthopedic shoulder injuries.
  • Acute Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports collisions can be common for acute shoulder injuries.
  • Poor Posture or Lifting Technique: Long-term strain can lead to shoulder injuries common in desk workers or manual laborers.

Symptoms to Watch For

Not all shoulder pain is the same. Because shoulder pain can mean many different things, it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to get your shoulder checked by a professional. Seek help if you notice:

  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
  • Weakness or recurrent instability in the arm
  • Swelling or bruising after an injury

Diagnosis

Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward treating shoulder pain effectively. Doctors typically use a combination of exams and tests to pinpoint the cause of common shoulder injuries.

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, your doctor will check for tenderness, swelling, and areas of weakness. They’ll also assess your range of motion to see how well your shoulder moves and whether certain movements trigger pain.

Imaging Tests

Imaging plays a key role in confirming what’s happening inside the shoulder. X-rays are often used to spot bone problems, while MRI or CT scans can reveal soft tissue damage like rotator cuff injury or labral tears. Ultrasound may also be used to capture real-time images of the shoulder in motion.

Functional Testing

To better understand how the injury affects daily activities, doctors may perform functional tests. These measures shoulder strength, flexibility, and overall movement, helping guide treatment recommendations.

Treatment Options

Treatment for common shoulder injuries can range from simple home care to advanced surgical procedures; the right approach depends on the type of injury, its severity, and how much it affects your daily life.

Conservative Treatments

  • RICE Method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to restore movement.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce pain and inflammation in severe cases.

Surgical Treatments (if needed)

When conservative care isn’t enough to relieve pain or restore function, surgery may be recommended to repair damage and help the shoulder work more smoothly again.

  • Arthroscopic Repair: Minimally invasive surgery for rotator cuff or labral tears.
  • Tendon or Ligament Repair: Reconstructing damaged tissue.
  • Shoulder Replacement: For advanced arthritis or irreparable damage.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation after a shoulder injury is just as important as the initial treatment. Sticking with therapy and making gradual progress are key to restoring strength, mobility, and preventing future problems.

  • Physical Therapy: Central to regaining motion and strength.
  • Recovery Timeline: Varies from weeks for minor issues to months for surgical recovery.
  • Prevention Tips: Warm up before activities, strengthen supporting shoulder muscles, and maintain good posture.

When to See a Doctor

Knowing when to see a doctor can make all the difference. If shoulder pain or weakness is interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign that professional care is needed.

  • Severe or sudden shoulder pain
  • Weakness or shoulder instability that limits daily activities
  • No improvement after rest or self-care

Early evaluation helps prevent long-term complications and improves outcomes.

Conclusion

Shoulder injuries are common, but the good news is that most can be treated effectively. From rotator cuff tears to frozen shoulder, knowing the symptoms and treatment options can help you take action sooner.

Early diagnosis, the right treatment, and a guided rehabilitation plan make all the difference in regaining strength and mobility. If you’re experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, consult a specialist to get the care you need and prevent further complications.

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