Understanding Shoulder Conditions
Shoulder pain can result from an acute injury, repetitive activity, instability, tendon damage, or arthritis. Evaluation begins with understanding your symptoms, goals, and activity level.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Symptoms can overlap, so an examination and appropriate imaging may be needed to identify the source of pain.
Rotator Cuff Tears & Tendinitis
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps lift and rotate the arm. Irritation or tearing may cause pain, weakness, and difficulty with overhead activity.
Labral Tears
The labrum is cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. Injury may cause pain, catching, clicking, or instability, particularly during throwing or overhead movement.
Instability & Dislocations
After a dislocation or repeated injury, the shoulder may feel loose or slip out of position. Treatment depends on the injury, recurrence, age, and activity goals.
Biceps Tendon & AC Joint Disorders
Pain at the front or top of the shoulder may involve the biceps tendon or acromioclavicular joint. Symptoms can worsen with lifting, reaching, or cross-body movement.
Shoulder Arthritis
Loss of joint cartilage can lead to pain, stiffness, grinding, and reduced motion. Treatment is based on symptom severity and the effect on daily activities.
Shoulder Replacement
When advanced arthritis causes substantial pain and loss of function despite nonsurgical care, anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement may be considered.
Evaluation
Your visit may include a review of the injury and symptoms, an examination of motion, strength, and stability, and X-rays. MRI, ultrasound, or CT imaging may be recommended when additional detail is needed.
Treatment Options
Many shoulder problems can begin with activity modification, physical therapy, medication, or an injection when appropriate. Arthroscopy, tendon or labral repair, stabilization, or joint replacement may be discussed when symptoms and structural damage warrant surgery.
Additional Patient Education
These independent resources from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provide further general information.
This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace an evaluation or individualized medical advice.