Did you know that shoulder injury is the most common type of injury in the United States? According to a study done by the CDC, shoulder injuries account for more than 30% of all sports-related injuries. In 2022, that number is only going to go up. If you’re an athlete, or if you just like to stay active, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with shoulder injuries. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 fast facts about shoulder injuries that you need to know!
Early, accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effectively treating shoulder injuries, whether they are acute or chronic. Shoulder injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in the United
These injuries are frequently treatable without surgery. In most shoulder injuries, the goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and increase range of motion. The sooner you contact a doctor, the more conservative treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective.
People with shoulder pain, on the other hand, frequently resist seeking medical help. They may mistakenly believe that the pain will go away on its own or that they just have to “work through” the pain.
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help lift the arm. The rotator cuff can be injured by overuse, such as from pitching in baseball or serving in tennis, or from a sudden injury, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand.
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that can occur when any of the four rotator cuff muscles or their tendon attachments become torn. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons hold the shoulder ball (glenohumeral joint) in place and allow us to lift our arms. A tear can cause pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion.
While many people put off going to the doctor because of shoulder pain, sleep difficulties are frequently what prompt them to seek care.
With shoulder pain, sleeping positions can be difficult, with the majority of sleeping positions producing extreme discomfort. Furthermore, studies have shown that sleep deprivation worsens pain.
If you’re a person who regularly participates in shoulder exercises, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors associated with these activities. Injuries can occur when the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint are over-used, leading to pain and inflammation.
Bad exercise techniques are often the cause of these types of injuries. For example, when doing shoulder presses, many people mistakenly use their biceps to lift the weight instead of their deltoids. This can quickly lead to an injury.
In the United States, approximately 585,000 shoulder replacements are performed each year. The average age of a person who has a shoulder replacement is 67 years old. Shoulder joint replacements have a 95% success rate. A person’s outlook after surgery is good and they can expect to return to their normal activities.
One in five people will experience a shoulder injury at some point in their life. The most common type of shoulder injury is a rotator cuff tear. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can include pain, swelling, and weakness in the arm. Treatment for rotator cuff tears may include surgery or physical therapy. Most people who have surgery for a rotator cuff tear are able to return to their normal activities.
All in all, shoulder injuries are a common occurrence that can be treated effectively if caught early. If you’re experiencing any shoulder pain, don’t hesitate to give Dr. Stephen S. Chen, MD a call – He would be more than happy to help get you back on your feet. And finally, remember that as with any other joint in the body, it’s important to exercise caution when working out your shoulders; too much of a good thing can sometimes do more harm than good.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions, including back injuries. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com