Shoulder Injuries

A shoulder injury refers to damage to any of the structures in or around the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a highly mobile and complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and it has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. Due to this mobility, the shoulder is more likely to sustain injuries or cause problems, making it susceptible to both acute injuries (from trauma) and chronic injuries (from overuse or wear and tear).

Shoulder problems can range from minor to serious. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness and changes in temperature, color or your range of motion. Shoulder injuries most commonly occur during sports activities, work-related tasks, home projects or falls. Home treatment can often help relieve minor aches and pains.

Treatment for a shoulder injury may include first aid, physical therapy and medicine. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. The treatment regimen/approach depends on the location and type of injury, its severity and time of injury, as well as factors such as age, overall health, and regular activities such as work, sports, or hobbies.

The Montefiore Einstein Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will customize a recovery plan based on your injury type and diagnosis. Recovery plans may include physical therapy, home exercise programs tailored to your injury and non-opioid pain management regimens. Our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder injuries, some of which are listed below. You can find more information about each by selecting its page from the menu on the left.

• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Shoulder arthritis
• Shoulder impingement
• Shoulder pain