Injuries/Conditions
The shoulder is the most mobile and versatile joint in the body, requiring 22 muscles to orchestrate the synchronous movement of the shoulder blade and shoulder joint.
Unfortunately, this mobility causes the shoulder to be vulnerable to injury. Common injuries include tendon strains/ tears, dislocations, labral tears and cartilage problems.
These injuries can arise from everyday repetitive overuse, either in sports or at work, trauma, advancing age and genetics.
A separated shoulder is a common injury, often occurring during a fall or a collision in contact sports. This can result in a mild sprain or a complete disruption of the shoulder.
For younger athletes, a sports-related injury can sometimes result in shoulder dislocations, which can lead to instability in the shoulder joint.
The best way to determine the cause of an injury is through a careful evaluation by a specialty physician experienced in the treatment of shoulder conditions.
In addition to an interview and physical examination, the physician may require additional tests in order to render the diagnosis.
X-rays can help the physician examine the bony structures while an MRI test can best reveal soft tissue structures such as ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage.