ROTATOR CUFF TENDINITIES- (AKA- swimmer's shoulder; Pitcher's shoulder; Shoulder impingement syndrome; Tennis shoulder; Tendinitis - rotator cuff) Rotator cuff tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder. Inflammation or swelling of the tendons of the shoulder muscles can occur in sports requiring the arm to be moved over the head repeatedly as in tennis, baseball, swimming, and lifting weights over the head. Chronic inflammation or injury can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to tear.
SYMPTOMS-
• Pain associated with arm movement
• Pain in the shoulder at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder
• Weakness with raising the arm above the head, or pain with overhead activities (brushing hair, reaching for objects on shelves, etc.)
AC JOINT SEPARATION/SHOULDER SEPARATION- A shoulder separation is when ligaments stretch or tear right where the collarborne meets the shoulder blade. If these ligaments partially or completely tear, the clavicle can slip forward and detach from the scapula. The most common way for a shoulder seperation to occur is by a direct impact to the front of the shoulder or by falling on an outstretched hand.
SYMPTOMS- Pain at the end of the collar bone. Pain may feel widespread throughout the shoulder until the initial pain resolves, following this it is more likely to be a very specific site of pain over the joint itself. Swelling often occurs. Depending on the extent of the injury a step-deformity may be visible. This is an obvious lump where the joint has been disrupted and is visible on more severe injuries. Pain on moving the shoulder, especially when trying to raise the arms above shoulder height.
FROZEN SHOULDER (Adhesive Capsulitis)- Typically only seen in one of the shoulers, this condition affects the ability to move the shoulder. It is usually found in people who are over 40 years old and it's uncommon in youth. The risk to have frozen shoulder increases 5x if you are a diabetic, although only approximately 3% of the population will be affected.
SYMPTOMS- This condition's symptoms are broked down into three different stages.
Stage One: The Painful Phase
Gradual onset of aching shoulder, most painful at night, worse when sleep on shoulder, develop widespread pain in the shoulder.
Stage Two: The Stiffening Phase
Stiffness starts to affect daily life, pain is consistent during night and day, difficulty with daily life activities.
Stage Three: The Thawing Phase
Gradual improvement in range of movement, gradual decrease in pain, although it may re-appear as stiffness eases
IMPINGEMENT SYDROME (Adhesive Capsulitis)- Adhesive Capsulitis is the medical term for Frozen Shoulder – sometimes abbreviated to FSS (frozen shoulder syndrome). This is a condition which affects the ability to move the shoulder, and usually only occurs on one side. Sometimes the problem can spread to the other shoulder. Frozen Shoulder is extremely uncommon amongst young people, and is almost always found in the 40+ age group, usually in the 40-70 age range. Approximately 3% of the population will be affected by this, with slightly higher incidence amongst women, and five times higher prevalence in diabetics.
SYMPTOMS- Difficulty reaching behind to touch your back, weakness in shoulders, and pain in shoulder.
PAIN BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BLADES- Pain between the shoulder blades may be from a variety of causes. The pain may be due to inflammation of the tissue and tendons surrounding the shoulder blade and scapula. It could also be due strain or torn muscles that surround the shoulder blade. There are a number of other more serious causes for pain between the shoulder blades such as a problem with an internal organ or disease.
SYMPTOMS- Shoulder pain comes on gradually over a long period. Pain at the front and/or side of the shoulder joint with overhead activity such as throwing, front crawl swimming - most common in external impingements.