The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that help move and stabilize the shoulder. Injuries can range from minor inflammation to partial or full tears, causing pain and weakness.

Symptoms:

• Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back

• Weakness when lifting or carrying objects

• Clicking or popping sounds in the shoulder

Common causes:

• Repetitive overhead movements (sports, work)

• Aging & wear-and-tear

• Trauma (falling on an outstretched arm)

Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon due to overuse or repetitive motion.

Tendinosis: Long-term degeneration of the tendon, often due to aging or untreated tendinitis.

Symptoms:

• A dull, aching pain in the shoulder

• Pain that worsens with movement, especially overhead motions

• Shoulder weakness or stiffness

Common causes:

• Overuse in sports or work (swimming, tennis, painting)

• Poor posture, leading to strain on the tendons

• Repetitive stress over time without proper recovery

This happens when the rotator cuff tendons and bursa get pinched between the shoulder bones. If left untreated, it can progress to tendinitis or rotator cuff tears.

Symptoms:

• Pain when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind your back

• Weakness or limited range of motion

• Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder

Common causes:

• Poor posture

• Overuse from repetitive overhead activities

• Weak rotator cuff muscles

The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the bones and soft tissues of the shoulder. When inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Symptoms:

• Pain with movement or pressure on the shoulder

• Swelling or tenderness around the joint

• Stiffness, making it hard to lift the arm

Common causes:

• Repetitive overhead movements

• Injury or trauma to the shoulder

• Poor posture causing friction in the joint

The labrum is a cartilage ring that deepens the shoulder socket. A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear happens when this cartilage is damaged, leading to instability and pain.

Symptoms:

• Deep shoulder pain, especially when reaching overhead

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations

• Weakness or feeling like the shoulder might “give out”

Common causes:

• Repetitive overhead movements (throwing sports, weightlifting)

• Falling on an outstretched arm

• Heavy lifting or sudden jerks on the shoulder

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket. If this happens frequently, it can cause chronic instability and increase the risk of labral tears.

Symptoms:

• Shoulder feels like it slips out of place

• Pain and weakness, especially in overhead motions

• Numbness or tingling if nerves are involved

Common causes:

• Trauma (falls, car accidents, sports injuries)

• Loose ligaments (hypermobility conditions)

• Previous shoulder dislocation

This condition happens when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It often develops after an injury or surgery when the shoulder is not moved enough.

Symptoms:

• Gradual pain & stiffness that worsens over time

• Difficulty raising your arm overhead or behind your back

• Shoulder feels “locked” or “frozen”

Common causes:

• Injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization

• Diabetes (higher risk factor)

• Autoimmune response (body attacking joint tissues)

Arthritis in the shoulder happens when the cartilage wears down over time, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

Symptoms:

• Persistent, dull aching pain

• Stiffness & reduced range of motion

• Clicking or grinding sounds (crepitus)

Common causes:

• Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)

• Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune condition)

• Past shoulder injuries leading to early degeneration