The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing a wide range of movements essential for lifting, reaching and carrying. Its complex structure of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments also makes it vulnerable to injury, overuse and degenerative changes. Shoulder conditions can lead to pain, stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement, often making everyday tasks more difficult.
Some of the most common shoulder conditions include rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Other problems such as arthritis, bursitis, dislocations and tendonitis can also affect shoulder function.
Understanding these conditions is the irst step toward effective treatment and recovery. Explore this page’s list to learn more about each condition and how Hand Therapy can help relieve pain, restore movement and improve shoulder function.
Back to ConditionsOveruse injury of the biceps tendon causing pain at the front of the shoulder, often worse with lifting or overhead activities.
Shoulder stiffness and pain that gradually worsens, limiting movement. It often develops slowly and may last months to years.
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac in the shoulder causing pain, swelling and discomfort when lifting the arm overhead or behind your body.
When the shoulder joint slips out of place, causing pain, weakness or repeated episodes of giving way.
Broken bones in the shoulder from falls, accidents or trauma, leading to pain, swelling and difficulty moving the arm.
Wear-and-tear arthritis causing shoulder joint pain, stiffness and reduced movement, often worsening with age or repeated heavy use.
Rehabilitation involves rest, slings or supporting taping and interventions to restore shoulder flexibility and strength for optimising normal daily use.
Inflammation or irritation of the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. It often causes pain, weakness and reduced range of motion, particularly during overhead activities.
Nerve or blood vessel compression near the collarbone causing shoulder, neck and arm pain, tingling or weakness.
Shoulder blade sticks out abnormally due to muscle or nerve weakness, causing pain, instability or difficulty lifting the arm.