Shoulder injuries are quite common in active/athletic individuals as well as skilled workers. Injuries to the shoulder range from "Labral”(cartilage) tears, ligament tears, to Rotator Cuff tears, and a variety of overuse injuries. Many individuals injure their shoulders playing anything from football to baseball to lifting or operating heavy equipment.  Visit our Shoulder Center for the most comprehensive treatment of shoulder injuries.

 Common injuries

There are many parts of the Shoulder that can be injured, but the most common are overuse injuries to tendons, and injuries to the rotator cuff. The shoulder is a very complex joint which is made up of a variety of ligaments, bones and muscles. Click links below for descriptions.

• Impingement/tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Shoulder Dislocations
• Frozen Shoulder

To read more about rotator cuff injuries check out "What You Need to Know About Rotator Cuff Tears" or "What  You Need to Know About Rotator Cuff Inpingement and Tendonitis"

 Signs and symptoms

With serious shoulder injuries, one would look for signs of moderate to severe swelling, discoloration, pain, weakness, locking or catching episodes or an "unstable" feeling. Some patients are also unable to move without significant pain, especially at night or while sleeping. Cartilage, and Rotator cuff tears sometimes require surgical intervention for repair or resection (partial removal).

 Initial Care

The first thing to do with an injury presenting with these signs and symptoms would be to follow the R.I.C.E. principle which is Rest, Ice, Compression (with an ace bandage), and Elevation of the extremity. The individual may find relief by using a shoulder sling. You may use over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Ibuprofrin, or Aleve, if it’s ok with your physician.

 Physician Care

It is most important for the individual to seek a qualified medical opinion for direction of treatment. The physician will most likely order a series of X-rays in addition to performing a comprehensive examination following a detailed injury history. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine has X-ray facilities on site, and physicians who can read the X-ray immediately for the result. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine physicians will discuss all of the pros and cons any surgical intervention may present so that the individual can make the best educated decision regarding course of recovery.

 Therapy

Physical therapy may be indicated depending on the problem. Even if surgical intervention is necessary, the physician should recommend physical therapy to "get the shoulder in shape" for the rehabilitation protocol that will follow surgery. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine has physical therapists and certified athletic trainers on site to follow the physician directed rehabilitation protocol. Vanderbilt Sports Medicine rehabilitation specialists provide individuals with an exercise program. Click the link below for an example of an exercise program.