The shoulder complex is made up of the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular and scapular thoracic joints. The Shoulder complex is predominantly structured to offer maximal range of motion. The stability of the shoulder joint is therefore provided by the joint capsule, ligaments and a group of muscles called the rotator cuff. The shoulder complex is also … Read more
In the case of an unstable shoulder that does not respond to physiotherapy treatment, there are several surgical procedures that can be used to restore stability. Each one of these is suitable for a slightly different type of dislocation. The type of procedure used by the shoulder consultant will depend upon the nature of the … Read more
Throughout the healing process following a collarbone fracture, it is important that the patient maintains the range of movement in the elbow, wrist and hand of the affected limb by going through the movements of these joints every day. Once this has been completed the patient should progress to active abduction (moving the arm out … Read more
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury? A rotator cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain. Injury to the rotator cuff will usually begin as inflammation, often referred to as rotator cuff tendonitis. The rotator cuff muscles (Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus and Teres minor) are small muscles situated around the shoulder joint. Although they have … Read more
What is Shoulder Bursitis? Shoulder bursitis is a common cause of shoulder pain that is related to rotator cuff tendonitis. Specifically, shoulder bursitis is inflammation of a structure called the ‘subacromial bursa’. This condition is sometimes called shoulder impingement syndrome and to understand how it occurs it is helpful to understand the anatomy of the … Read more
What is an AC Joint Sprain? A ‘shoulder separation’ is a common shoulder injury in sports and produces immediate shoulder pain. The term shoulder separation refers to an injury of the ligaments at the acromioclavicular (AC) Joint. The AC joint is part of the shoulder complex. It is situated at the outside point of the … Read more
What is Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendonitis? Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is a fairly common cause of shoulder pain, which is difficult to distinguish from rotator cuff tendonitis or a torn rotator cuff. The cause of this relatively common shoulder problem is not fully understood. As the name suggests, rotator cuff calcific tendonitis is characterised by … Read more
What is a Dislocated Shoulder? A dislocated shoulder is a common shoulder injury in contact sports such as rugby and martial arts. Shoulder dislocations are characterised by severe shoulder pain and hospital treatment is required to restore normal shoulder anatomy. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that has a large range of movement but not … Read more
What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder or ‘adhesive capsulitis’ is a common cause of shoulder pain in people aged between 40 and 60, with women affected more than men. Shoulder specialist Dr Robert Codman first described ‘frozen shoulder’ in 1934, although this painful shoulder condition had frustrated patients and doctors for centuries before this. The … Read more