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An illustrated icon of the shoulder joint, featuring a simplified outline of the humerus, scapula, and clavicle, depicted in dark teal against a light teal circular background.

Shoulder Disorders

The shoulder must be mobile enough for a very wide range of movements by the arms and hands.

At the same time, it must remain stable enough to allow for actions such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or reaching.

The shoulder is made up of three bones:

  • the clavicle (collarbone)
  • the scapula (shoulder blade)
  • the humerus (upper arm bone)

The shoulder also has associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all working together in a complex structure.

This combination of movements, and the complex structure of the shoulder, can contribute to the shoulder problems that many individuals experience.

A person wearing a white sleeveless top is touching their right shoulder with their left hand. The focus is on their shoulder and hand, showing a ring on their left ring finger. The background is blurry with a touch of greenery and blue hues.

What Are the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?

  • Shoulder instability and dislocations – this is when the ligaments are torn, away from the bone. Symptoms of Instability and dislocations of the shoulder include pain and/or weakness in the arm, and a feeling of looseness.
  • Shoulder separation or Sprain – this is when the ligaments are torn, away from the bone. Symptoms of a separation or sprain include severe pain and misshapen shoulder.
  • Shoulder tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendons in your shoulder’s rotator cuff. This is caused by overuse on the shoulder, like sports injuries from pitching a ball. This injury should be looked at immediately as is can cause a tear in the rotator cuff.
  • Bursitis – is when tendonitis and impingement cause inflammation of the bursa sacs that protect your shoulder.
  • Rotator cuff injury – a tear and/or rupture of one or more tendons. Symptoms of a rotator cuff Injury include pain, difficulty lifting your arm.
  • Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis – Complete inability to move the shoulder.
  • Osteoarthritis – Chronic degeneration of the cartilage and membrane of the joint that then leads to pain and/or stiffness.

The Importance of the Shoulder

Injuries to your shoulder can affect daily living. Performing activities involving throwing, such as football and baseball, can become increasingly difficult and painful. Also, lifting things above your head can become very dangerous.

Some injuries make things as simple as raising your arm above your head very difficult and painful. Because of the shoulders wide-range of mobility and functionality, you can imagine the difficulties having an injury or pain can cause. If you’re dealing with pain or loss of motion, please contact one of our highly trained specialists.

    Learn More

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    Take a look at information on the shoulder on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website.

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