Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is a joint that is made up of muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments that work together to help you move. Any one of these tissues can become injured due to trauma or simple overuse.

In most cases, shoulder problems don't require immediate medical attention. In fact, many injuries can be treated simply with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if you still have symptoms after two days of self-treatment, or if your pain gets worse, you should see a doctor.

Unfortunately, some shoulder injuries can be much more serious. If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately:

• Tingling or numbness in your arm
• Loss of motion in your shoulder
• Cold/clammy skin
• Weakened pulse

For a referral to a MedStar SportsHealth specialist who can help treat your shoulder injury, call 1-888-44SPORT.

Common shoulder injuries

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Strains and sprains
• Rotator cuff tear  
• Tears
• Dislocation
• Overuse injuries
• Clavicle fracture
• Tendon rupture
• Shoulder separation
• Unstable shoulder joint
• Fracture
• Pinched tissue
• Torn cartilage
• Sternoclavicular dislocation (This injury can be life-threatening due to the possible compression of major arteries and/or the windpipe.)