The shoulder is made up of three bones: your humerus (upper arm), your scapula (shoulder blade), and your clavicle (collarbone). As well as, a group of four muscles and their accompanying tendons, also known as the rotator cuff. Your shoulders are your most mobile joints in your body thanks to the rotator cuff stabilizing your shoulder in order to give them a wide range of motion. However, this extra mobility can lead to instability, making them more susceptible to injury.
There are many different causes for shoulder pain or decreased range of motion (ROM), but some of the most common include: tendonitis, instability, arthritis, and bone fractures. In this post, we’ll briefly touch upon some specific shoulder conditions and what causes them. For more detailed information regarding your shoulder injury, visit our facility for an initial evaluation with Dr. Dan or Dr. Gus.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A RTC tear has very similar symptoms to impingements. A RTC tear occurs when the tendons pull away from the humerus (upper arm bone) usually from overuse or injury. RTC tears can be partial, where the tendon is still attached to the bone or complete, where the tendon is completely detached from the bone leaving a hole or rip in the tendon. The best way to detect a RTC tear is through an MRI scan, or through diagnostic ultrasound, which Staats Physical Therapy offers onsite.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Impingements typically stem from Rotator Cuff (RTC) problems. Raising your arm to shoulder height causes the space between the acromion (bony tip of your shoulder blade) and the RTC to narrow, forcing the acromion to rub against or impinge the tendon. This causes irritation and pain. Poor posture or poor lifting mechanics can lead to impingement and eventually a rotator cuff tear. A skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy can evaluate you and identify any structural or habitual patterns that may be causing rotator cuff breakdown.
Frozen Shoulder
The muscles and tendons in your shoulder form what is called a capsule around the joint which supports the shoulder’s movement. Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule around the joint is too tight which can cause pain and immobility.
Frozen shoulder is a progressive condition that results from immobility and the resultant build-up of scar tissue around the joint following surgery or injury. Frozen shoulder can also result from a RTC tear or various other injuries. More often than not, frozen shoulder is the result of insufficient or incomplete rehabilitation of the shoulder following scar tissue build-up. If you’re experiencing any shoulder symptoms, have recently injured your shoulder, or undergone a surgical procedure, examination by a skilled physical therapist is paramount to a safe return to activities of daily living and especially to prevent the development if more secure, progressive conditions.