Shoulder Pain

1) Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Cause: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries can occur due to repetitive overhead motions, trauma, or age-related wear and tear.

• Symptoms: Pain, especially when lifting the arm, weakness, limited range of motion, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder.

2) Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

• Cause: This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched (impinged) between the bones of the shoulder, often due to repetitive overhead activities.

• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead, weakness, and a sense of pressure or discomfort in the shoulder joint. There is often a reduction in movement within the shoulder. 

3) Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• Cause: Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, restricting movement. It often develops after an injury or prolonged immobility.

• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and a significant loss of range of motion, especially in raising the arm or rotating the shoulder. This condition typically develops in stages, starting with pain, followed by stiffness, and eventually a gradual improvement. This condition can take 18 months- 2 years to fully heal. 

4) Shoulder Bursitis

• Cause: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the shoulder's tendons and bones. It is often caused by repetitive motion or injury.

• Symptoms: Pain and swelling in the shoulder, particularly with overhead movements or after prolonged use, and tenderness around the joint.

5) Shoulder Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

• Cause: Over time, the cartilage in the shoulder joint may wear down due to aging, wear and tear, or previous injuries. This can lead to arthritis, causing pain and stiffness in the joint.

• Symptoms: Pain, especially during movement or activity, swelling, decreased range of motion, and a grinding sensation (crepitus) when the joint moves.

6) Tendinitis

• Cause: Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to repetitive motion or overuse of the shoulder. The most commonly affected tendons in the shoulder are the rotator cuff tendons or the bicep tendons.

• Symptoms: Pain and swelling, particularly with movement, and limited range of motion. Tendinitis may also cause weakness in the affected arm.

7) Shoulder Muscle Strains

• Cause: A strain occurs when the muscles or tendons in the shoulder are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive use.

• Symptoms: Pain, muscle weakness, swelling, and bruising in the shoulder area.