The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body. The shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint. The shoulder is also the most complex joint in our body. It is capable of providing stable motion due to a delicate relationship of the muscles, tendons and bones which comprise the shoulder. Also termed the glenohumeral joint, the shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The upper part of the humerus represents the humeral head or the ball. The glenoid, or socket is part of the scapula.
Many types of injuries can affect the shoulder due to the complex structure of the shoulder. Sports injuries, chronic repetitive stress or accidents, and falls can cause shoulder pain. Even simple repetitive tasks such as painting, housecleaning, and gardening can cause our shoulder to hurt.
Possible signs of a serious shoulder injury
- unusual shoulder weakness
- the shoulder feels like it is “catching”
- the shoulder feels loose and capable of dislocating
Many bone, tendon, ligament or labral (cartilage) tears around the shoulder are best treated shortly after an injury. We recommend an orthopedic surgeon check shoulder pain if any of the following are true:
- after any severe injury
- if shoulder pain began after simple repetitive tasks, or without any obvious injury
- if shoulder pain is interfering with your quality of life
Shoulder anatomy, injuries and treatment articles
- Serious Shoulder Injuries. When Should I See A Doctor?
- Common Reasons Your Shoulder Is In Pain
- Shoulder Anatomy Video
- What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
Rotator cuff
- Do I Need Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery? – Expert Series
- Rotator Cuff Tears and Shoulder Pain at Night
- What is the Rotator Cuff?
- What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
- Rotator Cuff Tears and Related Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment : Should I Choose Physical Therapy or Surgery?
- Partial Rotator Cuff Tears: Do I Need Surgery?
Shoulder dislocation
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Video: Should We Operate On All Athletes With A Shoulder Dislocation
- The Dislocated Shoulder : Video Discussion of Treatment Options
Labrum / labral tears
- Labrum Tears of The Shoulder
- Labral Tears and FAI: A Common Cause of Hip Pain
- I’m Worried About My Labral Tear Surgery
- Do Labral Tears Require Surgery?
- Decision Making for Labral Tears and Rotator Cuff Tears
Other shoulder injuries & treatment info
- Calcific Tendonitis — What is it?
- Labrum Tears of The Shoulder
- The Broken Clavicle or Collar Bone – Four Myths You Need To Understand
- Shoulder Pain When Lifting The Arm : Causes and Cures
- Shoulder Cartilage Defects….
- My shoulder snaps and pops and I hear clicking … why?
- I have been told I have a frozen shoulder… what is that?
