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Shoulder Muscle Injuries

Shoulder muscle injuries can be a common occurrence in both athletes and non-athletes alike. They can be caused by simple overuse or from a more traumatic incident such as a sports mishap. They can also result from repeatedly performing everyday tasks with improper form or even from a prolonged period of poor posture.

  1. Rotator Cuff Tears

    • The rotator cuff consists of muscles that allow for the rotation of the shoulder. A tear in these muscles can be acute, caused by a sudden violent action such as throwing a ball with extreme force or from a paddling motion. Chronic injuries occur over a period of time and can be causes by "wear and tear" associated with activities like golf or tennis. Depending on the severity of the tear, surgery may be required.

    Clavicle Muscle Inflammation

    • The muscles around the clavicle, more commonly known as the collar bone, can become irritated and inflamed from overuse caused by throwing. This will result in pain and stiffness in the area of the collar bone, which can be treated with a combination of rest and ice. Massage can help relieve the pain and loosen the stiffness, and rehabilitation can help to regain strength.

    Deltoid Muscle Strain

    • The deltoid is the large muscle on top of the shoulder and is responsible for raising the arm to the side. An injury to this muscle is characterized by sharp pain when raising the arm in this manner. There are three different grades of deltoid injuries based on the severity. Generally, only a Grade 3 rupture would require surgery, although most deltoid injuries can be healed through rest and rehabilitation.

    Upper Back Strain

    • The muscles of the upper back between the shoulder blades can become strained if the arms are raised for an extended period of time. This can be the result of performing everyday activities or from improper posture. Common causes include typing on a keyboard that is too high or from driving a car while too far away from the steering wheel. Discomfort can be relieved through methods such as massage, performing stretching exercises, or the application of heat.

    Pectoralis Major

    • The pectoralis major is the large chest muscle that extends to the shoulder area. Injury to this muscle is common among weightlifters as it is often caused by lifting excessive weight or the repetitive motion of performing a bench press. When the muscle is injured, pain in the upper part of the muscle where it meets the shoulder can result. Treatment typically involves rest and icing the area, then applying compression followed by elevation of the arm.

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