Mississauga Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
Mississauga Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body, allowing for a wide range of motion that is essential for daily activities, sports, and overhead tasks. However, this extensive mobility comes with a trade-off—reduced stability, making the shoulder vulnerable to injuries, dislocations, and chronic pain conditions.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or instability, it’s important to seek professional evaluation. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues and ensure optimal function and recovery.
The shoulder is composed of three main bones and a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide movement and stability.
Bones and Joints of the Shoulder
🔹 Humerus (Upper Arm Bone) – Forms the ball of the ball-and-socket joint.
🔹 Scapula (Shoulder Blade) – Provides attachment points for key muscles.
🔹 Clavicle (Collarbone) – Stabilizes the shoulder and connects the arm to the body.
These bones come together to form four key joints, each contributing to the shoulder’s function:
✔ Glenohumeral Joint (GHJ) – The main ball-and-socket joint, allowing extensive movement but prone to dislocations.
✔ Acromioclavicular Joint (ACJ) – Links the scapula and clavicle, supporting shoulder elevation.
✔ Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) – Connects the clavicle to the sternum, providing structural stability.
✔ Scapulothoracic Joint (STJ) – A floating joint that allows smooth shoulder movement.
Since the shoulder joint sacrifices bony stability for mobility, it relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments to maintain proper alignment and function.
📌 The Rotator Cuff:
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that keep the humerus securely positioned within the shallow glenoid socket:
✅ Supraspinatus
✅ Infraspinatus
✅ Teres Minor
✅ Subscapularis
Additionally, the labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the socket, helps deepen the joint and increase stability.
📌 Dynamic Stabilizers of the Shoulder:
✔ Primary Stabilizers:
1️⃣ Rotator Cuff Muscles – Maintain the humeral head’s position in the glenoid fossa.
2️⃣ Long Head of the Biceps – Provides anterior shoulder stability.
3️⃣ Deltoid Muscle – Assists in lifting the arm while working with the rotator cuff.
✔ Secondary Stabilizers:
1️⃣ Teres Major
2️⃣ Latissimus Dorsi
3️⃣ Pectoralis Major
These muscles work in synergy to keep the shoulder stable during movement. Any muscle imbalance or weakness can lead to pain, impingement, or instability.
📍 Shoulder Dislocations vs. Shoulder Separations
Many people confuse these two injuries, but they are entirely different conditions.
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the humerus moves out of the glenoid socket. It can happen anteriorly (most common), posteriorly, or inferiorly.
🔹 Causes: Forceful impact, falls, contact sports, motor vehicle accidents.
🔹 Symptoms: Intense pain, deformity, swelling, inability to move the arm.
🔹 Treatment: Immediate reduction by a medical professional, followed by physiotherapy to restore stability.
What is a Shoulder Separation?
A shoulder separation occurs at the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) when the clavicle is pulled away from the acromion due to ligament injury.
🔹 Causes: Direct blow to the AC joint, falls onto the shoulder (e.g., hockey, football, cycling).
🔹 Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, a visible bump on the shoulder.
🔹 Treatment: Conservative management with physiotherapy; severe cases may require surgery.
📍 Rotator Cuff Tears
• Common in athletes and older adults due to wear and tear.
• Can result from repetitive overhead activities, heavy lifting, or trauma.
• Symptoms: Shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting objects, night pain.
• Treatment: Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, PRP therapy, or surgery for severe tears.
📍 Shoulder Impingement (Rotator Cuff Tendinitis)
• Occurs when rotator cuff tendons become compressed between the shoulder bones.
• Common in swimmers, baseball players, and tennis players.
• Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, weakness, and limited mobility.
• Treatment: Manual therapy, postural correction, strengthening exercises to improve movement patterns.
📍 Labral Tears
• Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) surrounding the glenoid socket.
• Often caused by repetitive overhead movements or trauma.
• Symptoms: Clicking, catching, deep pain, reduced shoulder stability.
• Treatment: Strengthening exercises, mobility training, or arthroscopic surgery in severe cases.
📍 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
• A progressive loss of shoulder movement due to capsular inflammation and tightness.
• Stages:
🔹 Freezing: Severe pain with mild movement restriction.
🔹 Frozen: Pain decreases, but stiffness worsens.
🔹 Thawing: Mobility gradually returns.
• Treatment: Physiotherapy, joint mobilization, manual therapy, cortisone injections for severe cases.
📍 Shoulder Arthritis
• More common after age 50, leading to joint stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
• Treatment: Joint mobilization, exercise therapy, regenerative medicine (PRP, stem cell therapy), or surgery for severe cases.
Maintaining strong and balanced muscles is essential for shoulder stability and injury prevention.
📌 Scapulohumeral Rhythm:
• Ensures coordinated movement between the shoulder and scapula.
• Prevents overuse injuries and impingement.
📌 Rehabilitation and Treatment:
• Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for most shoulder conditions.
• Regenerative medicine (PRP, stem cell therapy) accelerates healing.
• Surgery is considered for severe or recurrent injuries.
If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness, don’t wait—early intervention is key! A comprehensive evaluation can pinpoint the cause and guide effective treatment to restore function.
🔹 Book a consultation at the Muscle and Joint Clinic today to assess your shoulder health and start your journey to recovery! 💪🔍