Most Common Shoulder Injuries | Quantum Shoulder Clinic

Singapore The shoulder is one of the most mobile and versatile joints in the human body, allowing us to lift, reach, throw, and perform countless daily activities. However, this incredible range of motion also makes the shoulder susceptible to injury. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or simply someone going about your daily routine, shoulder pain or discomfort can significantly affect your quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common shoulder injuries, their causes and symptoms, and the treatment options available.

Understanding the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three main bones:

Humerus (upper arm bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Clavicle (collarbone)

These bones are supported by a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including the all-important rotator cuff, which stabilises the joint and allows smooth movement.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Causes:

Repetitive overhead motions (common in sports like tennis, swimming, or weightlifting)
Age-related degeneration
Sudden trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm

Symptoms:

Dull ache deep in the shoulder
Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Limited range of motion

Treatment:

Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications
Physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
Corticosteroid injections for pain relief
Surgery (arthroscopic or open) if the tear is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatment

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Causes:

Tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed during shoulder movements
Often results from poor posture, overuse, or anatomical narrowing of the shoulder spac

Symptoms:

Sharp pain with overhead activities
Difficulty reaching behind the back
Pain that worsens at night

Treatment:

Activity modification and rest
Physiotherapy to correct posture and movement patterns
Anti-inflammatory medication
In some cases, surgery (subacromial decompression) may be required

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Causes:

Unknown in many cases, but more common in individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or those recovering from shoulder surgery or injury
Results in thickening and tightening of the joint capsule

Symptoms:

Gradual onset of shoulder stiffness and pain
Decreased range of motion in all directions
Pain may improve over time, but stiffness persists

Treatment:

Gentle stretching exercises under physiotherapy guidance
Anti-inflammatory medication
Cortisone injections
In severe cases, manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release surgery

Shoulder Dislocation

Causes:

Sudden trauma (e.g., falls, sports injuries)
Can be anterior (most common) or posterior dislocations

Symptoms:

Intense pain at the time of injury
Visible deformity or “out-of-place” appearance of the shoulder
Inability to move the shoulder

Treatment:

Immediate medical attention to relocate the joint
Immobilisation in a sling for a few weeks
Rehabilitation to strengthen stabilising muscles
Surgery if recurrent dislocations occur, especially in young athletes

Shoulder Labral Tears

Causes:

Overhead sports or repetitive motion
Trauma, such as a fall or sudden pulling motion
Often associated with shoulder dislocations

Symptoms:

Deep shoulder pain
Clicking or popping sound with movement
Weakness or instability
Decreased athletic performance

Treatment:

Physiotherapy to stabilise the shoulder
Activity modification
Arthroscopic surgery if conservative treatment fails

Diagnosing Shoulder Injuries

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Your doctor will begin with a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests such as:

X-rays: To rule out fractures or bone abnormalities
MRI or Ultrasound: To assess soft tissue damage
CT scan or Arthrogram: For detailed joint imaging

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, it’s important to consult a shoulder specialist:

Persistent or worsening pain
Limited mobility lasting more than a few days
Swelling, bruising, or deformity
Weakness in the arm or hand
History of trauma to the shoulder

Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and speed up recovery.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

While not all shoulder injuries are preventable, you can reduce your risk with the following strategies:

Warm-up properly before sports or exercise
Strengthen rotator cuff and shoulder muscles
Maintain good posture, especially if you work at a desk
Avoid repetitive overhead motions when possible
Listen to your body—don’t push through pain

How We Can Help

At Quantum Shoulder Clinic, we specialise in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions with personalised, evidence-based care. Our team of orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists offers:

Advanced diagnostic imaging
Tailored rehabilitation programs
Minimally invasive surgical techniques
Post-operative support and follow-up

Whether you’re dealing with chronic shoulder pain, a recent injury, or looking for preventive advice, we’re here to help you regain function and return to the activities you love. Contact us today.

Most Common Shoulder Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Understanding the Shoulder Joint

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Shoulder Dislocation

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Shoulder Labral Tears

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Diagnosing Shoulder Injuries

When to Seek Medical Attention

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

How We Can Help

Get back to doing your favourite sports.