Athletes, bodybuilders, and blue-collar workers who move their shoulders are some of the people who are prone to frequent shoulder injuries. These injuries have numerous specific and general therapies and other methods that improve recovery and prevent reoccurring damage. Here are some common shoulder injuries and how to treat them:
Shoulder Instabilities
Shoulder injuries from sprains and strains destabilize the soft tissue underneath the shoulder by expanding uncontrollably. Older adults can become more susceptible to sprains and strains when jerking and twisting shoulders, as well as lifting heavy objects. Sprains affect the ligaments, while strains involve the muscles and tendons. Both injuries often lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the joint.
Some shoulder instabilities occur when the acromioclavicular (AC) joint connecting the collar bone to the shoulder blade stretches excessively. AC overstretching usually happens due to direct impact to the shoulder, often seen in contact sports. The separation results in the AC joint stretching or completely tearing when severe and is accompanied by localized pain in the affected shoulder. Rest and cold therapy should reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. If needed, corrective surgery enables patients with shoulder adverse instability to have their disconnected ligament tissue reconnected.
Frozen Shoulders
Frozen shoulders, or adhesive capsulitis, can cause stiffness and lack of locomotion in the shoulders. Moving the shoulders causes pain and discomfort for affected patients. Frozen shoulders often affect people with thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders and may stem from inactivity after an injury or surgical operation. Physical therapy, starting with small movements, helps increase motion within the muscles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NS-AIDS) might assist with the pain generated during movement.
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Fractures
Fractures occur when there is damage to the bones in your shoulder, such as the scapula, clavicle, and humerus. These cracks and breaks can cause severe discomfort when moving the joint. Fractures require immobilization, such as the use of slings to minimize motion. Regular monitoring via X-rays shows the progress of the bone’s regrowth and alignment. Bone-preserving shoulder arthroplasty, a shoulder replacement, switches damaged bone with metal or plastic components. Physical therapy after the bone heals allows the patient to practice moving the shoulder without affecting the bone.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is composed of numerous muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that facilitate movement and shoulder stability. Sudden movements and heavy lifting could tear rotator cuffs, causing weakness in the joint. Most of the time, minor tears only need some rest and exercise to heal. More serious tears could require surgical intervention via arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Strength-building regimens help speed recovery and reinforce the rotator cuffs to prevent future injuries.
Tendinitis
Repeated shoulder movements without rest could be one cause of tendinitis, an inflammation of the tissue connecting the muscles and bones. Mild tendinitis can be treated with cold therapy and rest to reset the affected tendons. Physiotherapy improves flexibility in the tendons and strengthens surrounding muscles to prevent future occurrences.
Bursitis
Bursitis develops due to the inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs padding the bones and tendons. Injuries, impacts, and infections contribute to this condition. NS-AIDS may reduce inflammation, and posture exercises help to make movement more comfortable during recurring bursitis.
Orthopedic Therapies for Shoulder Injuries
An orthopedic surgeon can use their qualifications to examine and treat injuries related to your musculoskeletal health. Talk to an orthopedic specialist to learn how to address and manage some of the common shoulder injuries. Contact a physician today for medical and surgical interventions to shoulder problems and other musculoskeletal challenges.
