Most Common Shoulder Conditions

  • Shoulder Bursitis

    Shoulder bursitis is an inflamed bursa in the shoulder. The bursa contains fluid that reduces friction in your tissues. It also absorbs the forces of your muscles and tendons around the joint. Raising your arm many times such as painting, or sleeping on your side may hurt the bursa. This irritation can result in shoulder problems.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Shoulder pain & swelling
    • 2.   Disturb sleep
    • 3.   Worse when you sleep on the affected side
    • 4.   Pain increases when you raise the affected arm
    • 5.   Pain increases with activities

    The Key to Recovery

    • 1.   Treat inflamed bursa
    • 2.   Medications
    • 3.   Don't sleep on the affected side
    • 4.   Avoid raising the arm overhead
    • 5.   Correct posture

  • Shoulder Impingement

    Shoulder impingement means that soft tissues get trapped in the shoulder when raising the arm overhead. The repeated raising of the arm can pinch the tendons, bursa, or muscles around the joint. You’re at risk if you have rounded shoulder, muscle weakness, and bony spurs. The irritated tissues can worsen, and repeated the pinching can create tearing.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Shoulder pain and swelling
    • 2.   Increase symptoms when raising arm around 60 to 120 degrees
    • 3.   Disturb sleep
    • 4.   Difficulty repeated arm activities
    • 5.   Worse with overhead movements

    The Key to Recovery

    • 1.   Treat the inflamed tissue
    • 2.   Temporary avoid raising the arm overhead
    • 3.   Strengthen weak muscles to prevent pinching
    • 4.   Improve posture
    • 5.   A gradual increase in exercise

  • Rotator Cuff Tear

    The rotator cuff is composed of 4 muscles that hold the shoulder joint in place. It helps raise and rotate the shoulder joint. The usual cause of pain is the tendon if it is trapped and inflamed. The pain can lead to weakness and spasms of the muscles, which can get worse. If not given attention, it can lead to tearing.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Shoulder pain
    • 2.   Increase symptoms when raising the arm
    • 3.   Disturb sleep
    • 4.   Difficulty raising the arm overhead
    • 5.   Difficulty carrying and lifting

    The Key to Recovery

    • 1.   Treat the rotator cuff tissue
    • 2.   Avoid activity that increases symptoms
    • 3.   Strengthen weak muscles
    • 4.   Improve posture
    • 5.   A gradual increase in exercise

  • Shoulder Tendinitis

    Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon around the shoulder joint. It is caused by irritation from repeated overhead motion or an injury. Sleeping on your side can also hurt by the pressure on the tendon. The most commonly affected is the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Pain & tenderness
    • 2.   Swelling
    • 3.   Muscle spasms
    • 4.   Increase symptoms when stretching tendons and muscles
    • 5.   Difficulty carrying, lifting, and overhead motion

    The Key to Recovery

    • 1.   Treat inflamed tendon
    • 2.   Break adhesions
    • 3.   Avoid activity that increases symptoms
    • 4.   Correct muscle imbalance
    • 5.   Improve posture

  • Frozen Shoulder

    Frozen shoulder is a condition affecting the capsule of the shoulder. This structure connects and encircles the joint. If you strain the capsule, it may get inflamed, then later shrink. It is also called adhesive capsulitis.

    The main issue of frozen shoulder is severe stiffness. It begins with severe shoulder pain, then restricts shoulder motion.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • 1.   Shoulder pain
    • 2.   Severe joint stiffness
    • 3.   Muscle weakness
    • 4.   Difficulty raising the affected arm
    • 5.   Difficulty self-care and daily activity

    The Key to Recovery

    • 1.   Treat the inflamed capsule
    • 2.   Loosen shoulder tissues
    • 3.   Stretch the joint capsule
    • 4.   Strengthen weak muscles
    • 5.   Improve posture