Shoulder + Thorax - Anatomy Of The Human Body

SHOULDER INJURIES

7 of the most common athletic injuries that occur in the shoulder are located below. 4 of the 7 injuries are classified as acute injuries, and the other 3 are classified as chronic injuries.

Acute Injuries:

	What is it?	Signs & Symptoms	Treatment
SLAP Tear	A slap tear occurs when a piece of cartilage is torn in the inner portion of the shoulder joint, which is called the labrum. SLAP stands for Superior Laberal tear from Anterior to Posterior. This injury may occur when athletes are participating in repetitive overhead sports, since repetition causes the labrum, or cartilage to wear down. If a SLAP tear occurs as a result of repetition, the injury is classified as a chronic injury. An Acute SLAP tear injury may occur if an athlete falls on an outstretched arm, the arm is being powerfully pulled, or if the arm quickly moves while it is over shoulder level.	Reduced range of motion Shoulder weakness Locking, popping, clicking or grinding in the shoulder Decline in sports performance Difficult to identify shoulder pain Pain when moving or keeping the shoulder in specific positions Discomfort when lifting items, particularly overhead.	Resting from activities that require throwing objects Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen in order to decrease swelling and pain Physical therapy exercises to improve shoulder motion Surgery (arthroscopic) is often required to treat SLAP tears.
Shoulder Separation	This injury involves the AC (Acromioclavicular) joint and the separation of the AC joint commonly occurs due to a direct fall onto the shoulder. This injures the surrounding ligaments which stabilize the AC joint.	Pain/discomfort Visible deformity (depending on severity) A sprain of the AC ligament is caused due to a mild shoulder separation. The collarbone doesn't move and looks normal on X-rays A tear of the AC ligament is a more serious injury and slightly tears or sprains the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament. This causes the collarbone to be out of alignment with a small bump that is visible A complete tear of both the AC and CC ligaments, is the most severe shoulder separation. The AC joint is noticeably out of position with a large bump.	Nonsurgical treatments such as a sling, cold packs, and medications can help manage the pain If deformity is severe or pain persists surgery can be considered.
Shoulder Dislocation	A dislocated shoulder occurs when a shoulder is over-rotated or pulled back too far.	Pain Visible deformity Loss of mobility Numbness/tingling	Seek medical attention Rehabilitation after joint has been re-stabilized.
Fracture	Fractures in the shoulder are most likely to occur on the clavicle and the proximal head of the humerus.	Pain Bruising Drooping shoulder (Clavicle fracture)	Ice Seek medical attention Sling for support

Chronic Injuries:

	What is it?	Signs & Symptoms	Treatment
Rotator Cuff Injury	Rotator cuff injuries commonly occur in athletes that participate in sports with repetitive motion.	Stiffness Weakness in the shoulder Reduced range of motion Pain in your shoulder or arm may also occur Pain at night is common; you may not be able to sleep comfortably on the side of your injured shoulder Certain movements may cause pain, especially overhead movements.	Rest and rehabilitation Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling Cortison shots and/or surgery may be required.
Frozen Shoulder	Frozen shoulder limits movements in your joint due to a build up of abnormal bands of tissues (adhesions) in the joint. The shoulder isn't able to move freely, and instead may "freeze" because pain or surgery may have made you use your shoulder less, causing the adhesions to build up.	Shoulder movement causes pain Shoulder starts to stiffen Decreased range of motion.	Range of motion exercises Numbing medications for pain management.
Shoulder Impingement	Shoulder impingement is a condition in which tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed and routinely trapped during shoulder movements causing injury to the bursa and tendons	Painful shoulder movements Muscle weakness Pain when trying to reach something across your body.	Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication Rehabilitation Corticosteroid medications.

SHOULDER TAPE JOBS

When it comes to dealing with injuries in the shoulder, we do not apply tape jobs. Instead we can apply either a sling or a tensor wrap.

Sling: Slings are used to support and immobilize the shoulder and they're most often used for a dislocated or fractured shoulder. A sling can be applied when the athlete is being taken to the hospital, in order to immobilize the shoulder and help reduce pain. Ice can also be applied in order to control pain and swelling.
Tensor Wrap: A tensor wrap is used to minimize movement of the shoulder and is used to treat shoulder sprains or strains. Abduction and external rotation of the shoulder are prevented when this wrap is in use, providing stability and support. If an athlete were to sprain their AC joint, this wrap would come in handy for helping that injury recover. Ice could also be wrapped onto the shoulder, while applying this wrap, if needed.

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