Common Causes and Symptoms
Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries often develop due to gradual wear and tear of the tendon over time. They can also result from repetitive overhead activities, prolonged heavy lifting, or a sudden injury from falls or accidents. Additional factors such as age-related degeneration, poor posture, and muscle imbalances can further increase the risk of tendon strain or tears.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Weakness in the shoulder, making lifting or rotating the arm difficult
- Limited range of motion and stiffness
- Tenderness over the affected tendon
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed or irritated as they pass through the shoulder joint. Common causes include repetitive overhead movements, poor posture, muscle imbalances, age-related tendon degeneration, previous shoulder injuries, and a Type III (hooked) acromion. These factors can result in pain, inflammation, and limited shoulder mobility.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain at the front or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm overhead
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Limited range of motion and stiffness in the shoulder
- Tenderness around the shoulder joint
SLAP tears & Shoulder Instabilities
SLAP tears and shoulder instability often result from repetitive overhead activities, trauma, ligament laxity and degenerative changes in the shoulder joint. They can cause pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and sensations of clicking or the shoulder slipping out.
Signs and Symptoms
- Deep shoulder pain, especially with overhead or throwing movements
- Clicking, catching, or popping sensations in the shoulder
- Feeling of looseness or the shoulder slipping out during activity
- Weakness and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
Athletic Shoulder Injuries
Athletic shoulder injuries are commonly caused by repetitive overhead movements, sudden trauma, or heavy impact during sports.
Other contributing factors include muscle imbalances, poor technique, inadequate warm-up, and previous shoulder injuries, which increase the risk of strains, tears, or instability.
Signs and Symptoms
- Instability, clicking, or popping sensations during movement
- Pain during activity, especially with overhead or throwing motions
- Weakness or difficulty lifting, pushing, or rotating the arm
- Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder
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