Common shoulder pain and injuries are frequently caused by athletic activities involving excessive repetitive overhead motion. They can be the result of constant weightlifting and everyday movement, such as hanging up curtains and scratching your back. Most shoulder injuries involve the muscles, ligaments and tendons, rather than the bones.
The following are common problems associated with shoulder pain and injury:
Tendon inflammation or tendon tears – This includes bursitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff tears and impingement.
Instability – Instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can result from a sudden injury or from overuse.
Arthritis – The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis.
Fracture (broken bone) – Fractures commonly affect the collarbone, upper arm bone, and shoulder blade.
Other less common causes of shoulder pain are tumors, infections, and nerve-related problems.
Shoulder Exercises
Exercising your shoulders will help strengthen your muscles to help prevent further injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends these three exercises:
Basic shoulder strengthening
Attach elastic tubing to a doorknob. Gently pull the elastic tubing toward your body. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times with each arm. Perform twice a day.
Wall push-ups
Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly perform a push-up. Repeat five times. Hold for a count of five. Perform twice a day.
Shoulder press-ups
Sit upright in a chair with armrest, with your feet touching the floor. Use your arms to slowly rise off the chair. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times. Perform twice a day.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, contact an orthopedic shoulder specialist to determine the cause and receive an individual treatment plan.
*The blog is for general information and educational purposes only regarding musculoskeletal conditions. The information provided does not constitute the practice of medicine or other healthcare professional services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Readers with musculoskeletal conditions should seek the advice of their healthcare professionals without delay for any condition they have. The use of the information is at the reader’s own risk. The content is not intended to replace diagnosis, treatment or medical advice from your treating healthcare professional.