06 Apr Different Types Of Shoulder Injuries And How To Treat Them
Shoulder injuries can be debilitating, causing pain and discomfort that can affect daily life. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we have seen various types of shoulder injuries that can be treated with different methods. Our orthopedic surgeon is here to discuss the different types of shoulder injuries and how to treat them effectively. Continue reading to learn more!
Different Shoulder Injuries And How To Treat Them
The shoulders are the joints where the upper arm bones, collarbone, and shoulder blades meet. The ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder allows a great range of motion, but this comes at the expense of stability. Repeated stress on the shoulders can lead to a host of different injuries and contribute to long-term pain. Here are some of the various shoulder injuries and how New York Sports Medicine Institute can treat them:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
One of the most prevalent shoulder injuries is a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a complex group of tendons and muscles that connect the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. A rotator cuff injury can occur when one or more of these muscles or tendons tear. This injury is commonly caused by repetitive overhead movements or traumatic injury. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Difficulty moving the arm
Treatment for a painful rotator cuff injury depends on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and therapeutic exercise. More severe injuries may require surgery to repair the torn muscle or tendon.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation is a painful injury that can occur when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder blade. A traumatic injury or repetitive overhead movements can cause this injury. The tell-tale symptoms of dislocation include pain and weakness in the shoulder, swelling, numbness, and bruising. Treatment for a shoulder dislocation involves putting the upper arm bone back into place. This is typically done by an orthopedic surgeon using a technique called reduction. After the bone is put back into place, the arm will be immobilized to allow the surrounding muscles and tendons to heal.
Shoulder Fracture
A shoulder fracture is a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint. This injury is typically caused by a traumatic injury such as a fall or car accident. Treatment for a shoulder fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Mild fractures can be treated with rest and immobilization. More severe shoulder fractures may require surgery to repair the broken bone.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition is caused by inflammation and tightening of the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women than men. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. People with frozen shoulder often experience limited joint mobility. Treatment for frozen shoulder includes physical therapy and stretching exercises to help loosen the tight capsule. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the tight capsule.
Contact Us
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we have seen the debilitating effects of shoulder injuries and understand the importance of proper treatment. Whether it’s a rotator cuff injury, shoulder dislocation, shoulder fracture, or frozen shoulder, proper treatment can help alleviate pain and restore proper function. If you are experiencing any shoulder pain or discomfort, it’s essential to consult with our orthopedic surgeon to determine the cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment method. Don’t let shoulder pain affect your daily life! Contact us today and request an appointment!