Common Sports Injuries Requiring Treatment By A Shoulder Specialist

Sports injuries are common amongst athletes of all skill levels and can range from a minor pulled muscle to a serious injury requiring surgery. Shoulder injuries, in particular, are usually caused by activities involving overhead motion, such as throwing a ball or serving in tennis or contact sports like rugby and American football. While some shoulder injuries are relatively minor and may simply require physical therapy for relief, others can be severe and complicated enough that an expert shoulder specialist should be consulted for treatment options.

We will discuss the most typical shoulder injuries experienced by athletes, their signs and symptoms, and how shoulder specialists can provide the right treatment for your condition.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

Knowing the common types of sports injuries and the signs and symptoms associated with these injuries can help keep you safe during physical activity.

• Rotator cuff tear: A rotator cuff tear is a disruption of the tendons connecting the muscles to the bones in the shoulder. It can either be acute (caused by an injury) or degenerative (caused by wear and tear over time). Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder area.

• Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule, which connects the humerus bone to the shoulder blade, becomes inflamed and thickened. This restricts the movement of the joint and causes pain.

Symptoms associated with a frozen shoulder include pain when moving the arm away from one’s body or across the chest, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, stiffness in the shoulder, and reduced range of motion.

• Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and lubricant between tendons, muscles, and bones. It usually occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion or are under constant pressure, such as the elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders.

Bursitis symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. Other symptoms may include redness or warmth to the touch, difficulty moving the joint, and a grinding sensation when the joint is moved.

• Labral tear: A labral tear occurs when the cartilage inside a shoulder joint, known as the labrum, is damaged or torn. The labrum helps to stabilize the shoulder joint and provides cushioning between the bones.

Labral tears can be caused by lifting heavy objects, throwing something, or even a traumatic event. Symptoms include pain in the shoulder, a popping or grinding sensation with movement, decreased range of motion, and instability in the shoulder joint.

• Shoulder dislocation: Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone, or humerus, is forced out of its normal position in the shoulder socket. This can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as limit your range of motion.

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation include severe pain, swelling and bruising around the area of injury, deformity or an out-of-place shoulder, numbness or tingling in the affected area, and difficulty moving your arm.

How does a shoulder specialist treat sports injuries?

Shoulder specialists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries. They use a combination of medical assessment, imaging techniques, and rehabilitative exercises to assess the extent of the injury and create an individualized treatment plan that meets the needs of each patient.

Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, or even surgery to repair damaged tissues.

Shoulder specialists at Teton Outpatient Services

Although many sports injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication, some require the care of a shoulder specialist. If you are experiencing pain that does not improve after a week or if you hear popping or grinding noises when moving your arm, it is time to seek professional help.

At Teton Outpatient Services, we offer comprehensive treatment for all types of sports injuries related to the shoulder. Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians today to get started on the road to recovery.