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Shoulder Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Shoulder Injuries and Disorders

The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, but its unique structure makes it susceptible to various injuries and conditions.

Overview

Your shoulder joint is composed of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). Your shoulders are the most movable joints in your body. They can also be unstable because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. To remain in a stable or normal position, the shoulder must be anchored by muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Common Shoulder Problems

Because your shoulder can be unstable, it can be easily injured. Common problems include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Dislocations
  • Separations
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis
  • Torn rotator cuffs
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Arthritis

Diagnosis and Treatment

Health care providers diagnose shoulder problems by using your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests.

Often, the first treatment for shoulder problems is RICE. This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Other treatments include exercise and medicines to reduce pain and swelling. If those don't work, you may need surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek emergency medical attention if you hear a pop or crack at the time of injury, experience immediate inability to move the arm, notice significant deformity or swelling, or feel numbness or tingling in the arm or hand. These are signs of a dislocation, fracture, or nerve damage that requires prompt professional evaluation to prevent permanent damage.
mild shoulder sprain often improves within two to four weeks with rest, ice, and gentle movement. In contrast, recovery from a surgical rotator cuff repair is a longer process, typically requiring three to six months of physical therapy to regain full strength and function, with complete healing potentially taking up to a year depending on the severity of the tear and individual factors.
rotator cuff tear typically presents with sharp pain that worsens with movement, particularly when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back, along with noticeable weakness. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by a gradual onset of stiffness and a progressive loss of range of motion in all directions, often accompanied by a dull, aching pain that may be worse at night, without the initial acute trauma or specific weakness pattern seen in tears.
During the initial phase, focus on passive range-of-motion exercises that do not require active muscle contraction, such as pendulum swings where you lean forward and let the arm hang loose to swing gently. Avoid active lifting or overhead movements until pain subsides. Always consult a physical therapist for a personalized plan, as incorrect exercises can worsen inflammation or delay healing.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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