The shoulder is a complex area of the body, comprising the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint)...
In addition, as some of the shoulder girdle muscles are also involved in movements of the neck...
Rotator cuff problems
This section itself is a huge area to cover, as there are many causes and types of rotator cuff problems...
The rotator cuff has a number of important roles...
Rotator cuff tendinopathy / tendinitis
The rotator cuff tendons can become irritated ('rotator cuff tendinopathy / tendinitis')...
Rotator cuff inflammation and poor shoulder stability may cause a 'painful arc'...
Management of these injuries includes avoidance of repetitive or overhead shoulder movements...
If managed correctly, this problem can be fully resolved with a return to full functional activities and sport...
Rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff tears may occur gradually over time, through repeated use or with age (degenerative)...
Rotator cuff tears may be minor, or can be 'full thickness' tears which require surgical intervention...
Bursitis
A bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion, found in numerous areas throughout the body...
Individuals commonly report a sudden onset of pain when suffering from a bursitis...
Pain may be felt sharply on certain movements of the shoulder joint (impingement)...
Management of this problem usually initially involves resting the shoulder...
Over time, chronic sub-acromial bursitis and associated scarring may require debridement surgically...
Unstable shoulders
The term 'unstable' can be used when describing a shoulder joint that moves incorrectly...
As described earlier, the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle muscles are largely responsible...
Instability can also occur directly at the shoulder joint...
Traumatic dislocation of the shoulder joint may occur as a direct result of an injury...
In many cases, physiotherapy intervention alone is successful in fully rehabilitating the shoulder joint...
