One minute, a patient is leaping for the ball, the next he or she was doubled over, their shoulder feeling like it was on fire. Or, it may have happened when a patient was hitting a long drive, reaching for a service, spiking a volleyball or finishing a lap in the pool.

Now their sleep is interrupted. Simple daily activities, such as getting dressed or combing hair have become difficult. If the patient‘s job involved overhead activities, like painting or stocking shelves he or she may be on disability.

Patients don‘t need to live with shoulder pain. Much can be done to reduce pain, regain shoulder mobility and get back to the activities they love.

is surgery the only option?

The doctor probably will suggest surgery only when a patient‘s symptoms don't improve with conservative treatment. The majority of shoulder conditions may have treatment options that include pain medications and physical therapyphysical therapyThe treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an.... When surgery is believed to be the best choice, a form of minimally invasive surgeryminimally invasive surgerySurgery requiring small incision(s), usually performed with endoscopic visualization. called arthroscopic surgery may be appropriate.

what are typical sports injuries?

Shoulders are at risk in many sports. The most frequent problems are with the tendonstendonsFibrous bands, one at each end of a muscle, that connect the muscle to bones. (tendinitistendinitisAny injury that produces an inflammatory response within the tendon substance.), rotator cuffrotator cuffThe rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons. These combine to form a "cuff" over the head of... (torn rotator cuff) and the shoulder jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones. (dislocationdislocationDisplacement of an organ or any part; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the...).

tendinitis and shoulder impingement

Tendinitis is perhaps the most common shoulder problem. The common names of shoulder tendinitis—pitcher‘s shoulder, swimmer‘s shoulder, tennis shoulder—are an indication of the sports involved.

Tendinitis is inflammationinflammationA local response to injury due to a physical reaction (such as abrasion), or to chemical or biological agents,... of a tendontendonA tough, rope-like cord of fibrous tissue at both the origin and insertion of muscle.. When it happens in the shoulder, the rotator cuff or the biceps tendon are inflamed, usually as the result of being pinched. This squeezing or pinching of the rotator cuff is called shoulder "impingement."

find out more about tendinitis and bursitis

discover more about impingement syndrome

torn rotator cuff

The rotator cuff may tear when someone falls on an outstretched hand or collides with something. Rotator cuff tendinitis and tears are common in overhead sports such as baseball, tennis, volleyball and swimming, and also can occur in weight lifting or football. If pain and stiffness result, call a doctor.

learn more about the torn rotator cuff

A dislocated shoulder happens when a strong force or extreme shoulder rotation pulls the "ball" of the upper arm boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... right out of the socket. If the dislocationdislocationA condition in which the femur has come out of the acetabulum. is partial, it's called a subluxationsubluxationLooseness or slipping of the femoral head within the acetabulum.. Falling on an outstretched hand, or a blow to the shoulder can cause dislocation. If this occurs, call a doctor immediately.

read more about dislocation and instability

don‘t ignore the signals

Pain is the body's way of getting our attention and letting us know something is wrong. Yet some individuals have a tendency to "play through shoulder injuries" and ignore pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Pain, weakness, and lack of mobility can become second nature.

This not only can worsen the condition, but can cause additional problems long term. According to the AAOS, those suffering from shoulder pain should ask themselves:

• Is the shoulder strong enough to cut out daily activities?
• Is the shoulder stiff?
• Can the shoulder be rotated in all normal positions?
• Does the shoulder feel like it could pop out of place?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, contact a doctor or locate an orthopaedic specialist.