What types of shoulder injuries can occur during physical activity?
The three most important causes of shoulder injuries are:
- Traumatic: from any type of trauma such as blows, falls or accidents.
- Overload injuries, i.e. when performing repetitive movements, more frequent in some sports or physical activities related to certain professions.
- Degenerative, related to age, diseases and repetitive movements that also give rise to overload injuries.
In all three cases there is usually a lesion at the level of the tendons that form the “rotator cuff” and the tendon of the long head of the biceps, which are called tendinopathies. The joint capsule may also be affected and suffer a capsulitis.
Are there people who are more prone to shoulder injuries?
- Certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatic diseases, degenerative diseases or high cholesterol are frequent causes of shoulder injuries.
- Certain sports: racquetball players, team players such as handball or rugby or throwers are more at risk of this type of injury.
- Manual professions such as painters, bricklayers or transport workers are also at higher risk of shoulder injuries.
What sports are most likely to cause shoulder injuries?
As we have said, it is usually racquet sports, rugby players, handball players or throwers and weightlifters are more at risk for shoulder injuries.
What tests are usually performed to determine that a patient has a shoulder injury?
A good clinical history and an adequate examination are essential. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound and X-rays are the most frequent imaging tests and should be chosen based on the initial diagnosis made by the specialist.
What types of injuries require surgery?
Today arthroscopic surgery allows more effective and much less aggressive surgeries than a few years ago, which makes the surgical decision easier, depending on each type of injury.
Fortunately, the vast majority of shoulder injuries do not require surgery and are resolved with proper rehabilitation performed by well-trained physiotherapists and with the direction of physicians specializing in sports medicine or physical medicine, always performing a team effort and with the continuous participation of the patient.