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Complications of Shoulder Injuries

Injuries such as a separated shoulder or rotator cuff injury may be treated with physical therapy and by resting the sore shoulder. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair damage caused by an injury. Complications may arise if the shoulder does not heal properly or there is an additional shoulder injury after repair or surgery.

  1. Continued Pain

    • Pain after surgery is expected with a shoulder injury. When pain continues after a separation is healed, it is possible that the separation was severe and requires surgery. A severe separation usually involves collarbone displacement, according to the Mayo Clinic. Surgery or additional surgery may be necessary to repair the damage from a separated shoulder injury.

    Arthritis

    • It is possible to develop arthritis in your shoulder after a shoulder injury. When the joints are affected and cartilage is damaged, deterioration of the joints is a possible complication. Arthritis in the shoulder may require physical therapy and pain management.
      Frequent rotator cuff tears may result in severe arthritis in the shoulder.

    Loss of Range of Motion

    • Stiffness in the joints and a loss of range of motion may occur after a shoulder displacement or rotator cuff injury. Physical therapy and exercises designed to improve range of motion can help to restore flexibility in the shoulder. The doctor may ask you to raise your arms and perform tests to determine the best course of treatment for your loss of range of motion.

    Tearing the Rotator Cuff

    • A rotator cuff may tear again after surgery has been performed to repair an initial tear. Those who perform repetitive motions in their work are more prone to rotator cuff tears, such as carpenters or construction workers, according to the Mayo Clinic. Continued tears in the rotator cuff may require a total or partial shoulder replacement.

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