Shoulder injuries most commonly occur during sports activities, work-related tasks, projects around the home, falls or motor vehicle accidents. Shoulder pain may be acute or chronic, depending on the structures involved. If untreated, these injuries can lead to severe loss of shoulder function and mobility. While an acute injury may occur from a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder, overuse injuries can be the result of too much stress placed on a joint or other tissue, or overdoing an activity. An established multi-disciplinary practice on Long Island, Comprehensive Healthcare Group (CHG) with two locations in Valley Steam and Oceanside NY offers state-of-the-art treatment for shoulder injuries.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Bursitis – Injury or strain to the shoulder joint causes shoulder bursitis. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located in the joints throughout the body, including the shoulder. These sacs act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, helping to reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Common risk factors for shoulder bursitis include throwing a ball, lifting objects overhead, and trauma from a fall onto the shoulder.
Tendinitis – Tendons are thick cords that join muscles to bones. Inflammation of tendons results in rotator cuff tendinitis, or tendonitis. The most common cause of tendinitis is repetitive action, where the tendons need to make a certain movement over and over. Chronic tendinitis is mostly caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis or repetitive wear and tear due to age. Athletes who play certain sports — such as tennis, golf, bowling, or basketball — are at higher risk of this condition.
Tendon Tears – A patient with this injury may not be able to lift or rotate his / her arm with the same range of motion as before the injury. Patients also experience significant pain associated with shoulder motion. Tendon tears may result from acute injury, degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age,or a sudden injury. These tears may be partial or may completely split the tendon into two pieces. In most cases of complete tears, the tendon is pulled away from its attachment to the bone.
Arthritis – Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. In a diseased shoulder, inflammation causes pain and stiffness. The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis. This condition develops slowly and destroys the smooth outer covering of the bone. The pain it causes worsens over time. Other types of arthritis that typically affect the shoulder include Rheumatoid and Post-traumatic arthritis, periarthritis of the shoulder.
Non-surgical as well as surgical treatments are currently available to restore shoulder mobility and flexibility. For better understanding of shoulder problems and injuries, physicians may review the anatomy and function of the shoulder using digital X-rays.
Treatment for a shoulder injury may include:
- Ice or Heat Applications
- Physical Therapy
- Physical Medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Orthopedic Treatments
- Joint, Trigger Point Injections
- Chiropractic Care
- Exercise Programs
Based on Long Island, Comprehensive Healthcare Group (CHG) provides effective shoulder pain treatments. Specialists at the center develop a customized treatment plan depending on the type and severity of the injury, how long ago the injury occurred, the patient’s age, health condition, and activities such as work, sports, or hobbies.
