Shoulder injuries are a common problem for athletes and non-athletes alike. The shoulder is a complex joint that is made up of several bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. When any of these components become injured, it can cause pain and limit mobility.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
There are many different types of shoulder injuries that can occur. Some of the most common include:
• Rotator Cuff Tears:
This type of injury occurs when one or more of the four rotator cuff muscles become torn or strained. Symptoms include pain in the shoulder when lifting or reaching overhead, weakness in the arm, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
• Dislocated Shoulder:
This occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) becomes displaced from its normal position in the shoulder socket. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
• Labral Tears:
This type of injury occurs when there is a tear in the labrum (a ring-shaped cartilage that helps to stabilize the shoulder joint). Symptoms include pain with overhead activities, catching or locking sensations in the shoulder joint, and decreased range of motion.
• Bursitis:
This condition occurs when there is inflammation in one or more bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion and protect joints). Symptoms include pain with movement and tenderness to touch around the affected area.
Recovery & Prevention:
The best way to recover from a shoulder injury is to rest it as much as possible while also performing physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the area around it. It’s important to avoid any activities that cause further discomfort or aggravate existing symptoms until you’ve been cleared by your doctor or physical therapist. Ice can also be used to reduce inflammation and swelling around an injured area.
In order to prevent future shoulder injuries, it’s important to maintain good posture while sitting or standing for long periods of time as well as stretching before engaging in any physical activity. Additionally, strengthening exercises should be performed regularly to help build up strength and stability around your shoulders so they can better handle any stress placed on them during exercise or daily activities.
