A physiotherapist treating the arm of a man

The different types of shoulder problems


What are the Different Types of Shoulder Problems? And what are the Treatments of the Shoulder Problems?

The shoulder is the most adjustable joint in our body. It is also an ambiguous joint because of its range of motion. The ball of the biceps is more significant than the shoulder socket. That's how it is susceptible to injury. You must know that the shoulder joint must also be supported by the soft tissue muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These are also subject to overuse, underuse, and injury. The degenerative conditions and other diseases in the body may also contribute to shoulder problems. It can generate pain that travels along the nerves to the shoulder.

What are the Different Types of Shoulder Problems?

Let's talk about common shoulder problems, including the following points.

  • Dislocation: The shoulder joint is the most generally dislocated major joint of the human body. It is often caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint's ball. The joint ball is the top rounded portion of the upper arm bone and humerus away from the joint's socket.
  • Separation: The AC joint becomes detached when the ligaments attached to the collarbone are torn and partially torn from the shoulder blade. Shoulder detachment may be caused by a sudden and forceful blow to the shoulder. It may happen as a result of a sudden fall on the ground.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis often happens when tendonitis and impingement syndrome cause inflammation of the bursa sacs. It protects the shoulder area.
  • Impingement Syndrome: Impingement syndrome is happened due to excessive squeezing and rubbing of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade. The pain is associated with the syndrome resulting from an inflamed bursa over the rotator cuff. Then tenderness of the rotator cuff tendons and calcium submits in tendons because of wear and tear. The shoulder impingement syndrome can lead to a torn rotator cuff.
  • Tendinosis: Tendinosis of the shoulder occurs when the rotator cuff and biceps tendon become worn out and occasionally inflamed. It usually happens due to being pinched by neighboring structures. The damage may vary from mild tenderness to engagement of most of the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff tendon is swollen and thickened, it may become abducted under the shoulder blade.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear:  A rotator cuff tear includes inflamed one or more rotator cuff tendons. It happens from overuse, aging, a fall on an outstretched hand, and a collision.
  • Adhesive Capsulitis: It is also known as a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a critically restrictive condition frequently caused by injury. Then the damage leads to less usage due to pain. Recurrent periods of use may cause inflammation and adhesions to the gap between the joint areas, restricting the act. There is also a loss of synovial fluid to lubricate the gap between the arm bone and socket. It usually helps the shoulder joint to move. This restricted space between the capsule and the ball of the humerus distinguishes adhesive capsulitis from the less complicated situation called the stiff shoulder.
  • Fracture:  A fracture in the shoulder is a partial or complete crack or breaks through a bone. It usually happens due to an impact injury.

How to Diagnose the Shoulder Problems?

In extension to a complete medical history and physical examination, the diagnostic procedures for shoulder problems may include the following points. The diagnosis procedure is to examine the range of motion, location of the pain, and the level of joint instability and stability.

  1. X-Ray: It is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce pictures of the internal tissues, organs, and bones onto the film.
  2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: It is known as MRI. It's a diagnostic procedure that combines large magnets, radiofrequency, and a computer. It produces detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the body. It can often examine the damage and disease in the surrounding ligament and muscle.
  3. Computed Tomography Scan: It is also named CT or CAT scan. It's a diagnostic imaging procedure that combines X-rays and computer technology. It produces horizontal, axial pictures named as slices of the human body. A CT scan shows accurate images of any part of the body. It includes the muscles, bones, organs, and fat. CT scans are more compound than general X-rays.
  4. Electromyogram: It is known as an EMG. It is a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
  5. Ultrasound: It is a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs.
  6. Arthroscopy: It is a minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure that is used for the situations of a shoulder joint. This treatment uses a small, lighted, optic tube that is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. The pictures of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen. It is used to evaluate any degenerative and arthritic changes in the joint. It detects bone diseases and tumors. It determines the cause of bone pain and inflammation.

What are the Treatments of the Shoulder Problems?

Your doctor will recommend you specific treatment for the shoulder problems. The treatment will be determined based on the following points.

  • The age of the patient, medical history, and overall health.
  • The extent of the condition.
  • The patient's tolerance for the specific medications, therapies, and procedures.
  • The expectations for the course of the situation.
  • The opinion and preference of the patient.

The treatment may include activity modification, rest, physical therapy, medications, and surgery.

In a Nutshell

In this modern era, medical technology is so vast. That's how it's straightforward to recognize the main problem for the medical experts. There are several ways to treat shoulder pains and problems. The proper medication and the expert's advice will help cure the problem as soon as possible. In case of any problem as mentioned above and shoulder pain, it's advisable to seek an expert's help so that the shoulder problem can be treated on time with the proper medication.

Looking for Shoulder Problems treatments in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale or the surrounding areas? Call us today at 480-389-4081or register yourself at our register form to book an appointment.