Shoulder Pain and Common Injuries

What is it?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, either as a result of a sudden injury from a fall or twisting the arm etc, or as an overuse injury, which gradually develops. Muscular tension can also cause pain in the area of the shoulder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the pain.
• Overuse injuries present with a pain that developed gradually with no clear incident.
• More acute, traumatic injuries occur from a fall or force on the arm which causes damage such as a muscle tear, dislocation or labrum injury.

Causes

• As already mentioned, shoulder pain is can be acute or chronic (overuse).
• Overuse injuries are often caused by a combination of factors such as poor posture and sporting techniques (e.g. tennis serve).

Who gets it?

Shoulder injuries can occur in anyone. Certain sports (especially racket sports) may predispose you, although in this case it is often due to poor technique. Weight trainers who overwork the chest without working the scapula stabilisers and people who work at a desk all day are also particularly at risk.

How is it diagnosed?

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, it is advisable to visit a sports injury specialist who can determine what is causing your pain. Sometimes a scan such as an X-ray or an MRI may be required to help diagnose the problem.

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on the injury and the individual.
• In traumatic, acute injuries such as dislocations, a period of immobilisation may be necessary.
• Common treatments involve soft tissue therapy and electrotherapy such as ultrasound.
• Usually a mobility and strengthening rehabilitation programme will also be prescribed.

What is the long-term prognosis?

Again, this depends on the actual cause of the injury, but in general prognosis of shoulder injuries is good.

References

www.sportsinjuryclinic.net