The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint that relies on muscles and tendons to function, and therefore is subject to many different types of injuries. Some of the most common shoulder injuries are muscle strains, capsule tears, bursitis (bur-SYE-tis), tendonitis (ten-duh-NYE-tis) and separated and dislocated shoulders. Muscle strains can result from acute, explosive injury or a chronic condition attributed to faulty mechanics or overuse. A partial or complete tear of any of your rotator cuff muscles can be very debilitating and may require the immediate attention of a physician, especially if you suffer a loss in range of motion. In many cases, ice and rest from activities prompting pain can be a helpful remedy. Although capsule tears can be of an acute or chronic nature, most cases of bursitis or tendonitis are chronic conditions that signal overuse and poor mechanics. More serious injuries, such as separations and dislocations, may require immediate medical attention. A separated shoulder typically occurs when you fall or get hit on the apex of your shoulder, tearing the ligament that holds the collarbone to the top of your shoulder. Shoulder dislocations, on the other hand, is when the ball comes out of the socket joint. In most cases, this injury is followed by immediate disability, and proper reduction of the dislocation is important so that no further injury to the surrounding tissue, nerves and blood supply occurs. Implementing a good stretching and strengthening program can help you avoid many shoulder injuries.
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