Common Shoulder Injuries & How to Treat Them

Shoulder injuries can be debilitating, impacting everything from simple, everyday tasks to high-level physical performance. With its intricate structure and remarkable range of motion, the shoulder is one of the most fascinating joints in the human body—but it’s also one of the most vulnerable. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for common shoulder injuries can help you stay proactive about your health and recovery.

Whether it’s a sports-related injury, wear-and-tear from repetitive motion, or an unexpected accident, shoulder pain should not go untreated. If you're searching for an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Debary, FL, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into common shoulder injuries and how specialists can help.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

Understanding the shoulder’s complex anatomy is key to recognizing how injuries occur. Your shoulder is made up of three main bones:

Humerus (upper arm bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Clavicle (collarbone)

These bones meet at two joints, the glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular joint, which allow for a wide range of motion. Surrounding them are muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the rotator cuff, all of which work together to stabilize and move the shoulder. This complexity, while vital for its functionality, also makes the shoulder more prone to injuries.

Common Shoulder Injuries

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons, which stabilize the shoulder and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, especially in athletes and individuals over the age of 40.

Symptoms:

Pain, especially when lifting the arm
Weakness or limited range of motion
Popping or clicking sounds during movement

Causes:

Overuse or repetitive motion (common in sports like baseball and tennis)
Degeneration over time
Sudden injuries, such as falling or lifting a heavy object

Treatments:

Non-surgical options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.
For severe tears, an orthopedic surgeon in Debary, FL can recommend and perform minimally invasive surgery to repair the damaged tendons.

2. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between the shoulder blade and the humeral head.

Symptoms:

Sharp pain when lifting or reaching overhead
Chronic pain that worsens at night
Limited mobility

Causes:

Overhead movements in sports like swimming or basketball
Postural issues or muscle imbalances

Treatments:

Resting the shoulder and avoiding aggravating activities
Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
If these methods fail, arthroscopic surgery may be required to provide relief.

3. Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket. Given the shoulder's mobility, it’s one of the most frequently dislocated joints.

Symptoms:

Visible deformity or out-of-place shoulder
Extreme pain and swelling
Difficulty moving the arm

Causes:

Sports injuries or high-impact accidents
Falls or sudden forceful movements

Treatments:

Immediate reduction to place the joint back in its socket
Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
For recurrent dislocations, a shoulder surgeon might recommend stabilization procedures.

4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and stiffens, limiting movement.

Symptoms:

Gradual onset of stiffness and pain
Difficulty performing daily tasks like dressing or reaching
Three stages (freezing, frozen, thawing), which can last months to years

Causes:

Often idiopathic but more common in individuals with diabetes or after prolonged immobility
Can develop following surgery or injury

Treatments:

Physical therapy and stretching exercises
Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
If severe, arthroscopic release surgery may be recommended.

5. Bicep Tendon Tears

The bicep tendon connects the bicep muscle to the shoulder. Tears can occur at the tendon’s attachment point in the shoulder.

Symptoms:

Sudden sharp pain felt in the upper arm or shoulder
Bruising around the shoulder and arm
Weakness or inability to turn the palm upward

Causes:

Forceful overexertion
Trauma or aging-related degeneration

Treatments:

Partial tears often respond to rest, therapy, and medications
Complete tears may require surgical repair by a skilled shoulder surgeon.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Ignoring shoulder pain or delaying treatment often leads to worse outcomes. Compensatory movements can strain other muscles and joints, such as your neck or upper back. Chronic issues can develop, and injuries can become harder to correct.

Consulting an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Debary, FL can help identify the severity of your injury, offer tailored treatment options, and get you back to the activities you love sooner.

When to Consult a Shoulder Surgeon

You should consider seeing a shoulder specialist if:

Your pain persists for more than a few weeks
You notice signs of swelling, deformity, or bruising
You experience weakness or loss of function in your shoulder
The injury affects your daily routine and quality of life

The team at Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of shoulder injuries. From advanced imaging and conservative management to minimally invasive surgeries, we provide an expert approach tailored to each patient’s needs.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Shoulder injuries, while common, don’t have to be life-altering. Understanding the symptoms and seeking the right care can make all the difference. Whether you're an athlete, an active professional, or simply someone dealing with persistent shoulder pain, reaching out to an experienced orthopedic surgeon can put you on the path to recovery.

At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, we’re committed to providing exceptional care for every patient. If you're searching for a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Debary, FL, contact us today to schedule a consultation.