Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles get pinched in the subacromial space. This condition is also commonly called Swimmer’s Shoulder. Click here to learn more. 

There are 4 main muscles that make up the rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. These muscles stabilize the shoulder during all motions of the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury or tear can occur from an acute injury or chronic overuse (impingement, tendinitis). Click here to learn more.

The labrum is a piece of connective tissue that deepens the socket and stabilizes the shoulder joint.  A tear in this connective tissue is called a Glenoid Labrum Tear. Click here to learn more.

A subluxation occurs when the bone partially separates from the joint. A dislocation occurs when the bone entirely separates from the joint and needs an outside force to be put back in place. Shoulder dislocations are common among football players and other impact athletes. Click here to learn more. 

The biceps brachii muscle has two tendons that run along the front side of the upper shoulder. Repetitive stress to the biceps tendons, particularly the long head, can cause irritation and inflammation on the front side of the shoulder joint. Click here to learn more. 

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is made up of the outer end of the collarbone and the outer corner of the shoulder blade (the acromion). This joint is held together by many strong ligaments and is typically very stable. Overstretching of these ligaments due to trauma can result in an AC joint sprain, which often includes a visible deformity.  While the initial injury is painful, and the deformity may create cosmetic issues, most AC joint sprains are easily treated with physical therapy and do not result in long term disability. Click here to learn more.