What Are the Common Causes of Shoulder Injuries?

Shoulder injuries can cause us pain and limit our ability to move around, as well as our daily routines. To better preserve shoulder health, it is essential to understand the common causes of shoulder injuries. Let's explore the various factors that contribute to shoulder injuries with Fivali.

Types of Common Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are quite common and can significantly impact an individual's daily activities and quality of life. The complex architecture of the shoulder joint, comprising bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, has made it vulnerable to a wide range of injuries for which it is prone. Awareness of the types of common shoulder injuries is essential for timely consultation, appropriate treatment, and reconstruction efforts:

• Shoulder Muscle Sprain and Strain
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Shoulder Bursitis
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
• Shoulder Fractures

Causes of Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder infections are a common condition that can cause severe discomfort and limited daily activities. One of the most hypermobile and complicated joints in the body, the shoulder is susceptible to different types of damage. Knowing the causes of shoulder injuries allows us to help prevent, intervene early, and manage these conditions effectively. 

1. External Forces

• Activities of Daily Living

The shoulder joint is a crucial joint for human movement. During daily life, it can be damaged by sudden lifting of heavy objects or being struck by high objects on the surface of the body. If you do not pay attention to weight lifting techniques or lack of rest, wear and tear injuries such as rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, bursitis, etc. will greatly affect the normal function of the shoulder joint, resulting in pain, weakness, and other symptoms.

Overuse and Repetitive Motion are also common causes of shoulder injuries. Building workers, painters, warehouse workers, and assembly line operators, among others, all require repetitive use of their shoulder joints. They frequently have to elevate their arms for long periods or undertake high-frequency lifting tasks most of the time. This repetitive motion greatly increases the risk of conditions such as rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, or shoulder impingement syndrome.

• Sports Injuries

Several sports require elevated movements or body contact, involving the body. Repetitive overhead movements are often required in sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming, which increases the risk of excessively stressful sports injuries, including rotator cuff tears and scapular tears. There is also a higher risk of acute injury in sports such as football, rugby, and hockey. A collision or fall can result in dislocation of the shoulder, fracture, and labral tears during these activities.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

Frequently, motor vehicle accidents occur in both automobile collisions and motorbike crashes. The force generated during a bump can cause minor muscle strains and concussions, as well as severe shoulder fractures and subluxations.

2. Body Factors

• Weak Shoulder Joint

Inadequate muscle and ligament strength can easily lead to sports injuries or occupational diseases. Weakness in the muscles surrounding the rotator cuff can impair joint stability and lead to problems such as shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tears.

• Previous Injuries or Surgeries

People with a history of shoulder injuries or operations have a shoulder joint that tends to be more prone to repetitive injuries or complaints. Prior injuries to the shoulder, such as subluxation, broken bones, or sprains, may be followed by impairment or debilitation of the inner structures of the joint, which can raise the risk of re-injury. Despite surgical treatment such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder glenoid labral rebuilding, or arthroplasty, the bio-mechanical properties of the shoulder joint may be modified, making it more unstable, which in turn may lead to new problems.

• Increasing Age

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, and the shoulder is no exception. The tissues in the shoulder joint, which include cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, can become abraded and ripped apart. This can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff deterioration, or tendon degeneration, making the shoulder more susceptible to injury.

Additionally, the body's ability to heal and recover declines with age. This results in a prolonged recovery cycle for shoulder injuries, and may require a more integrated therapy programme of treatment for them.

How to Treat Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder infections can be pretty debilitating and impact our daily movements. It is extremely important to know how to heal and rehabilitate your shoulder correctly. Here are some key strategies for treating shoulder injuries:

1. Rest and activity modification: While in the early phases of a shoulder investment, rest is essential for the healing of damaged tissue to occur. Refrain from engaging in activities such as weightlifting and vigorous physical activity that can trigger discomfort or pain. It helps to prevent further damage to the shoulder.

2. Physical therapy: There are various means of physiotherapy, which can be selected according to various symptoms and rehabilitation periods with different conditions. Cold therapy is highly effective in relieving inflammation and pain, while heat therapy improves blood circulation and loosens muscles. Ultrasound therapy helps stabilize the healing process, while massage improves joint flexibility by relieving muscle stress in the joints. These treatments help to restore strength, range of motion, and function to the rotator cuff of the shoulder.

3. Professional treatment from doctors: Getting prompt medical attention is the key to obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. A qualified professional, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist, can provide you with a tailored treatment plan. For more serious injuries, immobilisation in a sling, corticosteroids, or even surgery may be prescribed instead. It is essential to receive the medical care you need for your condition.

Preventive Measures for Injury

Shoulder injuries can be easily prevented with proper nursing care and attention. Integrating preventive practices into your daily routines can significantly reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.

• Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Targeted shoulder workouts on a routine schedule are an essential part of maintaining a healthy shoulder joint. Through reinforcing the shoulder rotator cuff muscle groups, triangular muscles, and upper back muscles, shoulder joint stabilisation can be dramatically promoted and sports injuries can be effectively prevented. Simultaneously, combined with stretching activities, it helps preserve the mobility and range of motion of the shoulder joint at all stages of its life.

• Avoiding Overuse and Improper Technique in Activities

To protect the health of your shoulder, it is essential to combine work and rest, and avoid excessive exercise for prolonged periods. When the shoulder feels fatigued, it is essential to rest to reduce the burden on the shoulder muscles and tendons. Additionally, while working or exercising, maintaining the correct posture and movement can be effective in minimising the risk of shoulder injury.

• Shoulder Brace Support

With sports or activities that place a lot of stress on the shoulder, carrying a shoulder brace creates extra support and stability, effectively protecting the shoulder joint, minimising the risk of hyperextension or strain during exercise, and helping to maintain the shoulder joint in the correct position.

Never let a shoulder injury be a deterrent to you! Fivali Shoulder Brace for Injury Prevention is designed to help you live a pain-free, active life. We offer a wide range of styles to suit different needs and prioritize your shoulder health. Get ready to feel relaxed and rejuvenated in your Fivali shoulder brace:

✧ Fivali Immobilizer for Shoulder for Injury Prevention and Recovery

• Provide Compression and Stability
• Specific Pocket Design for Ice Pack
• Fit the Curves of the Shoulders
• Promote Injury Recovery and Relieve Pain

✧ Fivali Sports Shoulder Support Torn Rotator Cuff for Joint Stability

• Mesh-like Design
• Unleash Athletic Performance
• Comfortable Wear

• Balanced Diet

A nutritionally balanced diet is an indispensable part of maintaining a fit body, especially a healthy shoulder and joint. An abundance of protein, vitamins, and minerals not only strengthens muscles and improves tissue repair, but also delivers comprehensive nutritional health benefits to the body on a daily basis. Meanwhile, adequate water consumption is vital for supporting the elasticity of the connective tissues and athletic mobility of the shoulder joint daily.

• Regular Body Check

To safeguard the health of your shoulder, it is suggested that you have a professional examination on the subsequent day as a general rule for your shoulder. By assessing your shoulder, a healthcare professional can identify hidden problems that could lead to injury and provide you with targeted prevention programmes. Early identification and treatment will better protect your shoulder.

The significance of the shoulder cannot be overemphasised in any way. Healthy shoulders not only allow us to be more flexible in our daily work, but they also enable us to perform better in sports. As a result of targeted exercise and protection, we can prevent shoulder injuries and maintain a youthful appearance. Emphasising the health of our shoulders not only improves our quality of life but also lengthens our healthy lifespan.

Reference: Common Shoulder Injuries by Orthoinfo