Shoulder Pathology

Common problems of the shoulder include Tendonitis , Bursitis, Impingement Syndrome, and Adhesive Capsulitis. Increased stress levels to the shoulders tendons; in particular the rotator cuff tendons may result in damage and an inflammatory response (i.e. tendonitis). The body may react by laying down scar tissue or calcific deposits. Tendonitis may lead to weakening of the rotator cuff muscles resulting in shoulder impingement. Impingement causes pain and restriction during elevation of the arm, and results in mechanical compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursae. The process of impingement may also lead to inflammation of the bursa (i.e. bursitis). The capsule surrounding the shoulder joint can develop adhesions secondary to trauma or lack of use resulting in significant loss of motion. This process is known as Adhesive Capsulitis or “Frozen Shoulder”.