Scapula & Shoulder

Shoulder Seperation

A shoulder separation is the partial or complete separation of two parts of the shoulder: the collarbone (clavicle) and the end of the shoulder blade (acromion).

The collarbone and the shoulder blade (scapula) are connected by the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is held together primarily by the acromioclavicular (AC) and the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. In a shoulder separation (also called an acromioclavicular joint injury), these ligaments are partially or completely torn. A shoulder separation is classified according to how severely these ligaments are injured:

The Shoulder

About 12.3 million people went to the doctor's office in 2002 for a shoulder problem, including 4.2 million visits for shoulder and upper arm sprains and strains.

Shoulder injuries can be caused by sports activities that involve excessive overhead motion like swimming, tennis, pitching and weightlifting. People involved in everyday activities like washing walls, hanging curtains, and gardening also can get shoulder injuries due to excessive overhead arm motion.

Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems. A shoulder problem can develop slowly in athletes through repetitive, intensive training routines.

What is the Scapula?

The scapula (shoulder blade) forms part of the shoulder, at the back. It is a triangular, flattened bone, with several projections. The scapula is attached to the outer end of the collar bone (clavicle) at the acromioclavicular jooint. Its outer end provides a socket for the head of the upper arm bone (humerus), forming the bony articulation of the shoulder joint. The Scapula is held in place by strong muscles, which can move it in relation to the chest wall. It provides attachment for many of the muscles of the shoulder and upper arm, including the biceps.

Shoulder - Impingement

Description

Impingement is one of the most common causes of pain in the adult shoulder. It results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted.

The rotator cuff is a tendon linking four muscles - the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the subscapularis, and the teres minor. These muscles cover the "ball" of the shoulder (head of the humerus). The muscles work together to lift and rotate the shoulder.

The acromion is the front edge of the shoulder blade. It sits over and in front of the humeral head. As the arm is lifted, the acromion rubs or "impinges" on the surface of the rotator cuff. This causes pain and limits movement.

Shoulder Pain

What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion to the arm, from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch. Mobility has its price, however. It may lead to increasing problems with instability or impingement of soft tissue resulting in pain. You may feel pain only when the shoulder is moved, or all of the time. The pain may be temporary and disappear in a short time, or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment.

This brochure explains some of the common causes of and treatments for shoulder pain, and how you can prevent it. Your orthopaedist (orthopaedic surgeon), a specialist in musculoskeletal conditions, can give you more detailed information.

The Shoulder

The two main bones of the shoulder are the humerus and
the scapula (shoulder blade).

The joint cavity is cushioned by articular cartilage covering the head of the humerus and face of the glenoid. The scapula extends up and around the shoulder joint at the rear to form a roof called the acromion, and around the shoulder joint at the front to form the coracoid process

The end of the scapula, called the glenoid, meets the head of the humerus to form a glenohumeral cavity that acts as a flexible ball-and-socket joint. The joint is stabilized by a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid called the labrum.

Rotator Cuff Home Rehabilitation Exercises

How do I exercise for rotator cuff disorders?

Introduction
What exercises help with rotator cuff disorders?
Why do I need to do exercises for rotator cuff disorders?
How do I exercise for rotator cuff disorders?
Where can I learn more about exercises to help rotator cuff disorders?
Credits

Rotator cuff home rehabilitation exercises

How do I exercise for rotator cuff disorders?

Before you start these exercises consult your doctor or physical therapist. It is important to be consistent and do the exercises every day. However, stop exercising and call your health professional if you are not sure you are doing them correctly or if you have any pain.