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COMMON TYPES OF SHOULDER INJURIES AND TREATMENTS
► Common shoulder injuries
Shoulder dislocation: Shoulder dislocation commonly occurs in young people and athletes when the muscles and ligaments that hold the shoulder are overstretched. In young individuals, this issue may be a normal part of development. In athletes, shoulder dislocations are caused by specific movements such as catching or throwing a ball, which over time stretch the shoulder ligaments. This can lead to pain, a feeling of looseness in the shoulder joint, or weakness in the arm.
Rotator cuff tear: The rotator cuff is a group of tendons in the shoulder joint, composed of four tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. This tendon group is crucial as it participates in various movements of the shoulder joint. If the tendons are torn, the arm cannot move easily within the joint cavity, making it difficult to lift the arm or move it away from the body.
Stiff shoulder joint: The condition of a stiff shoulder can occur at any age, but it is most commonly seen in individuals aged 40 to 60. The exact causes are not entirely clear, but it may affect people with diabetes, thyroid disease, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
Shoulder muscle strain: Sudden movements of the shoulder muscles can place significant pressure on the shoulder and lead to muscle strain and loss of flexibility. This is a common issue in middle age, especially among those who do not exercise regularly.
Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis can begin around the age of 50, causing pain during movement. The main cause is due to excessive use of the shoulder joint.
Shoulder fracture: A shoulder fracture is almost always caused by sudden strong impacts to the shoulder. Common causes of shoulder fractures include sports injuries, falls, and vehicle accidents.
► Who often suffers from shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries are often caused by overuse. Common situations that lead to injuries include:
Participating in contact sports or sports that require throwing or repetitive overhead movements such as: swimming, soccer, racquet sports, baseball, softball, rowing, gymnastics, martial arts, climbing, or weightlifting.
Doing jobs that require repetitive motion, such as assembly line production.
Engaging in home activities like painting the house or hanging curtains…
► Causes of shoulder injury
The shoulder joint is the most flexible joint in the body, because without this flexibility, it would not be possible to perform actions such as throwing, catching, or lifting the arm overhead. However, the more flexible a joint is, the higher the risk of injury.
The shoulder has many parts that can be injured. The structure of the shoulder includes three main bones: the humerus, the scapula, and the clavicle. The shoulder also has cartilage and other soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The shoulder also contains nerves and fluid-filled sacs called bursae.
In most cases of shoulder pain, it is due to injury or soft tissue pathology. Repetitive movements while working or playing sports are common causes of these soft tissue issues. Bone injuries in the shoulder, such as fractures, are also quite common and often result from trauma such as falls or vehicle accidents.
Another possible cause may be shoulder joint degeneration, which is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of cartilage and other injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the bones and cartilage that can flare up in the shoulder. Both types of arthritis can affect the shoulder joint and cause pain or damage over time.
Shoulder pain can range from dull and aching to severe. The specific location of the pain in the shoulder can help doctors diagnose the pain condition.
Along with shoulder pain, other signs and symptoms may include joint stiffness, weakness, and inability to rotate or lift the arm normally. Patients may also feel that the shoulder is looser.
In cases of fractures and dislocations, the shoulder joint may appear deformed.
► How to diagnose shoulder injuries?
Shoulder injuries are often diagnosed through physical examination. The doctor will check your shoulder’s range of motion and look for swelling, deformity, and other abnormal signs around the shoulder joint.
If you are injured, the doctor may perform imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the condition of the shoulder injury, as well as any bones and connective tissues that may be affected.
The doctor can use arthrography, a type of imaging test that uses a contrast agent injected into the joint, to take pictures of connective tissue. Additionally, the doctor may also use arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique that employs a small camera inserted through a small incision to examine the inside of the joint and perform repairs on minor injuries.
► Shoulder injury treatment
Non-surgical treatment: The initial treatment involves non-surgical methods, including rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and exercises to strengthen the shoulder and restore flexibility. Physical therapy techniques can shorten the recovery process and prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. The doctor may also recommend corticosteroid injections into the shoulder. If these methods do not resolve the issue, surgery may be considered.
Surgical treatment: If previous treatment measures are ineffective, the doctor will recommend surgical methods for cases of severe injury. Depending on the type of injury, the doctor will propose an appropriate form of surgery such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery, which limits surgical complications, shortens hospital stay, and allows for quick recovery for the patient.
► Note for the patient after treatment
In most cases, soft tissue injuries in the shoulder will heal on their own. A period of rest for a few weeks can help restore shoulder function quickly.
Depending on the specific case of shoulder injury, doctors may recommend that patients perform physical therapy exercises to rehabilitate the muscles and tendons of the arm. As a result, patients can regain strength in their shoulders and prevent further injuries.
In the case of more severe injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff or a fracture, treatment may be more complicated and require surgery, with recovery time ranging from several weeks to several months.
Always warm up before exercising and stretch after training to effectively prevent shoulder injuries when playing sports.
Perform the correct movements when doing repetitive exercises.
Avoid overtraining and do not push yourself when injured. Overtraining can lead to serious injuries not only in the shoulder area.
Be cautious when participating in sports with a high risk of injury.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and habits, focusing on a good diet for joint health. Regular exercise is a way to strengthen joints and muscles.
- Maintain a reasonable weight through diet and exercise, following your doctor’s recommendations.
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