Shoulder Injury Fast Facts

Shoulder Injury Fast Facts

Parts of the shoulder

The shoulder joint is made of three bones:

  • Clavicle
  • Scapula
  • Humerus
Anatomy sketch of the shoulder bones

Rotator cuff tendons

The rotator cuff is made up of muscles tendons that help the shoulder work properly.

Anatomy sketch of the front and back shoulder muscles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Osteoarthritis 

the joint surfaces become rough causing irritation of the joint. This irritation is usually caused by wear.

Sketch of joint with osteoarthritis

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is when a muscle tendon has small tears or is inflamed usually due to overuse or wear.

Sketch of inflamed and tear in shoulder muscle

Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear occurs when there is a partial or complete tear of the tendon or muscle. One or more of the 4 rotator cuff muscles may be involved and is usually caused by injury or wear.

Sketch of tear in rotator cuff

Impingement Syndrome and Bursitis

These conditions are caused by arthritis or rotator cuff problems. When the arm is raised overhead the acromion pinches into the bursa. 

Sketch of the inside of the shoulder joint with a bursa being pinched

Subluxation / Dislocation 

Dislocation is when the ball-shaped head of  the humerus moves completely out of the socket. This is usually caused by injury. If the head only moves slightly out of the socket, then it is a subluxation.  

Sketch of shoulder joint slipping out of socket

Frozen Shoulder

When the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes tight and movement of the shoulder becomes limited.

Sketch of shoulder bones and ligaments to show frozen shoulder

Fractures

Fractures are when 1 of the shoulder bones breaks. This is usually caused by injury.

Sketch shows broken head of humerus bone in shoulderSketch of broken clavicle bone

Treating the injured shoulder 

There are many things that can help your shoulder heal after an injury:

  • Rest:  Stop using painful motions that irritate the shoulder or use a sling to rest the joint. 
  • Heat and / or Ice:  Heat relaxes the muscle and increases blood flow, where as ice decreases swelling and pain.
  • Medicine:  Medicine will help decrease inflammation, pain, or muscle spasms. Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Cortisone:  Shots of cortisone can decrease pain and inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy:  A physical therapist can determine which stretches or exercises may benefit your shoulder. Ultrasound and electric stimulation may be used to decrease inflammation and pain.
  • Surgery: If it is necessary for you to have surgery, a surgeon will discuss with you the risks of surgery and the recovery rate.

© 2001 - October 30, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.