Shoulder Injuries

What are Common Shoulder Injuries?

Your shoulder is a complex and flexible joint that’s susceptible to injury. The team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates has extensive experience treating common shoulder injuries, including:

• Chronic shoulder instability
• Shoulder impingement
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder dislocations
• Frozen shoulder
• Arthritis of the shoulder
• Shoulder fractures
• Biceps tendinitis and tendon tears

Shoulder pain or injuries can prevent you from performing everyday activities, such as reaching overhead to grab something off a high shelf.

What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that often results from repetitive motions and age-related degeneration. You can also injure your rotator cuff suddenly, such as from falling on an outstretched arm.

The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles and tendons that attaches your upper arm bone (humerus) to your shoulder blade (scapula). These muscles and tendons help your shoulder perform a wide range of movements such as lifting and rotating your arm.

A rotator cuff tear happens when one or more of these tendons become partially or completely severed. When this happens, the torn tendon no longer attaches to the head of your humerus properly.

Who is at Risk of Shoulder Injuries?

Shoulder injuries that result from gradual degenerative damage are most common among adults over 40. Younger adults are more likely to injure their shoulders from a sports injury or acute trauma.

You may be at greater risk of shoulder injuries if you perform repetitive arm motions during work or sports. Baseball pitchers, tennis players, and construction workers are all at greater risk of rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries.

How Do You Diagnose and Treat Shoulder Injuries?

First, your provider at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates carefully examines your shoulder and reviews your medical history. They may take imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to diagnose your rotator cuff injury.

Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your specific type of shoulder injury. Mild injuries may improve with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Severe shoulder injuries, such as a complete rotator cuff tear or biceps tendon tear, may require surgery to repair. Conditions such as advanced arthritis may require shoulder replacement surgery.

The expert team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates performs minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair shoulder damage whenever possible. For more information, call or book an appointment online today.

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