How to Diagnose Shoulder Injuries

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is termed the glenoid (part of your scapula, or shoulder bone) and the ball is termed the head of the humerus. Your shoulder is the most movable joint in your body. It is also a common site for different kinds of injuries such as strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations, separations and torn rotator cuffs. It is possible to effectively diagnose shoulder injuries.

Instructions

• 1

  If you feel like your shoulder popped out of place and/or popped back into place, your shoulder may have been dislocated.

• 2

  If your upper arm has changed shape or is swollen then your upper arm bone (humerus) may be fractured.

• 3

  If you notice a bump on your clavicle (collarbone) or it feels tender, your collarbone may be fractured.

• 4

  If there is pain or tenderness near the shoulder-end of your clavicle (collarbone) and if you need to lift your arm with your uninjured arm to help the pain then your shoulder may be separated.

• 5

  If it is painful to twist your arm or when you perform a throwing motion accompanied by weakness, then you may have shoulder instability or a torn rotator cuff.