Shoulder

Shoulder Anatomy and Function

Your shoulder is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, and ligaments that allow a wide range of movements. The main bones include:

• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Scapula (shoulder blade)
• Clavicle (collarbone)

The shoulder joint works like a ball in a shallow socket, stabilized by ligaments and surrounded by muscles that help in movements like lifting, rotating, and reaching. Key movements include:

• Flexion and Extension: Moving your arm forward and backward.
• Abduction and Adduction: Moving your arm away from or towards your body.
• Internal and External Rotation: Turning your arm inward or outward.

Maintaining strong, balanced shoulder muscles can help prevent injuries.

Common Shoulder Conditions

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation due to overuse or trauma.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffness and pain limiting movement.
3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Compression of rotator cuff tendons causing
4. Shoulder Dislocation: Humerus popping out of the socket.
5. Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Cartilage degeneration causing pain and stiffness.
6. Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs in the joint.
7. Tendonitis: Inflammation of shoulder tendons due to repetitive motion.
8. Shoulder Instability: A loose joint prone to dislocation.
9. Fractures: Breaks in the humerus, scapula, or clavicle due to trauma.
10. AC Joint Injuries: Damage to the joint where the clavicle meets the scapula.

If you experience shoulder pain, seek evaluation from a healthcare professional.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
2. Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
3. Activity Modification: Avoiding movements that worsen pain.
4. Rest and Immobilization: Using slings or braces during recovery.
5. Heat and Cold Therapy: Relieving pain and promoting healing.
6. Ultrasound Therapy: Improving blood flow and tissue healing.
7. PRP Therapy: Using the body’s platelets to promote repair.

Surgical Treatments

1. Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Minimally invasive repair of torn tendons.
2. Shoulder Arthroplasty: Partial or total joint replacement for arthritis or damage
3. Bankart Repair: Fixing torn labrum for shoulder stability.
4. Subacromial Decompression: Removing impinging structures to relieve pain.
5. Latarjet Procedure: Bone transfer to stabilize the shoulder joint.
6. Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Using grafts for irreparable rotator cuff tears.
7. Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Reversing the joint’s ball and socket for severe damage.
8. Hemiarthroplasty: Partial joint replacement for fractures or necrosis.
9. ORIF for Fractures: Surgical realignment and fixation of broken bones.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

• Maintain good posture and body mechanics.
• Strengthen and balance shoulder muscles.
• Avoid repetitive overhead movements without proper conditioning.
• Follow a doctor’s advice for recovery and rehabilitation.

Why Timely Care Matters

Shoulder pain or injuries can significantly affect your quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications. Whether through surgical or non-surgical means, personalized care is crucial to recovery.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us.