The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that consists of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the glenoid of the scapula- (socket of the shoulder blade). The ligaments and tendons help stabilize the joint. The muscles provide the shoulder with a wide range of movement. The shoulder joint gives good mobility but lacks in terms of stability. Shoulder pain develops usually due to overuse of a muscle or injury to it. Repetitive use injuries primarily affect the deep muscles that provide stability. Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories: Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear, Instability, Arthritis, Fracture (broken bone).

The glenohumeral joint (another name for the shoulder joint) allows a wide range of movement. The surfaces of the bones where the ball and socket meet are covered with cartilage that absorbs shock and allows the joint to move easily. The other structuresare:

  • Labrum, a fibrous ring of cartilage that surrounds the glenoid,(shoulder socket), to create a deeper socket for the ball to stabilize the joint since the glenoid surface area is small and while moving the humerus may run off it.
  • Rotator cuff, a group of four muscles stabilize the joint.
  • Deltoid helps the hand lift and gives the shoulder joint its distinct curve.

The synovium (protective capsule) produces a fluid (synovial fluid) to cushion and lubricate the joint.

Read more..

Finding Best Treatments

NOTE: Above More accurate treatment cost estimates can be provided if medical reports are emailed to us or after the patient is examined by doctors after arrival at hospital in India and medical tests are done after admission.

Frequently asked questions about Shoulder

What are common causes of shoulder pain?

The common causes of shoulder pain are as below:

  • Shoulder dislocation: The humeral slips out of the shoulder socket
  • SLAP tear: a tear in the cuff of cartilage that overlies the humerus within the shoulder joint
  • Bursitis and tendonitis: inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled, friction-reducing sacs) and tendons
  • Frozen shoulder: stiffening of the joint
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Cervical radiculopathy- pain in the shoulder radiating to the arm and forearm due to pathology in the neck(vertebra) and discs.
  • Brachial plexus injury. injury to the major nerve plexus supplying to the arm.
  • Rotator cuff tear:  tear in the rotator group of muscles stabilising the shoulder joint
  • Shoulder impingement: caused by inflammation caused due to the tendons(connective tissue) rubbing on the shoulder blade caused by repetitive shoulder activities.
What are the causes for shoulder pain without injury?

Other causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Arthritis
  • Torn cartilage
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
  • Bone spurs (bony projections that develop along the edges of bones)
  • Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Heart attack- pain from the heart may be referred to the left shoulder 
What is frozen shoulder?

It is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The condition occurs more commonly in people with diabetes or those who've kept their arm immobilised for a long period of time.

What non-operative treatments can I try for my shoulder pain?

The non operative treatments to relieve the shoulder pain are as below:

  • Rest
  • Ice, elevation 
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physiotherapy
  • Steroid injections from a healthcare provider
How long does the rotator cuff take to heal?

It usually takes three to four months to heal. Complete activities can be resumed by six months.

What are the types of Shoulder imaging Tests?

The below are few of the shoulder tests which are generally done:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan
  • Computed tomography (CT scan)
  • Shoulder X-ray
What are the types of treatment options for shoulder?
  • Shoulder surgery: performed to help make the shoulder joint more stable. 
  • Arthroscopic surgery: A surgeon makes small incisions in the shoulder and performs surgery through an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and tools on its end). 
  • Physical therapy: An exercise program can strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility in the shoulder.
  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medicines can relieve most shoulder pain. 
  • RICE therapy: RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression (not usually necessary), and Elevation. RICE can improve pain and swelling of many shoulder injuries and is usually the first line of treatment one can do immediately post injury.
  • Corticosteroid (cortisone) injection: A doctor injects cortisone into the shoulder, reducing the inflammation and pain caused by bursitis or arthritis. The effects of a cortisone injection can last several weeks.
Is Rotator cuff and shoulder impingement same?

Rotator cuff are muscle that stabilize the shoulder joint which hurt due to repeated activities. Impingement syndrome is due to the tendons(connective tissue) rubbing on the shoulder blade due to repeated activities. 

What are the complication of a dislocated shoulder?

The complications are-

  • Hill Sachs lesion- compression fracture of the humeral head
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Nerve injury
  • Avascular necrosis( lack of blood supply to humeral head)
  • Heterotopic ossification- abnormal bone growth in non skeletal tissues
  • Recurrent dislocations
Why do I feel shoulder pain in the arm and forearm?

Pain from the shoulder may radiate down to the arm in case of cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy also known as pinched nerve occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed at its origin.

What is a SLAP tear?

Superior lesion anterior to posterior(SLAP) lesion is damage to the labrum(cartilage at the shoulder socket rim) where the biceps tendon connects.

Does Bankart lesions need surgery?

Bankart lesion is an injury to the anterior glenoid labrum due to the anterior dislocation of the shoulder. It needs surgical reduction of the dislocation and repair of the labral tear.

Recent Articles

Common shoulder issues:

  • Frozen shoulder: pain and stiffness resulting in reduced shoulder range of movements. 
  • Osteoarthritis: wear-and-tear of the protective tissues.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: the immune system attacks the joints, leading inflammation and pain. 
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder impingement: Rubbing of the rotator cuff tendons on the shoulder blade repeatedly leads to inflammation and pain.
  • Shoulder dislocation: The humerus (upper arm bone) falls out of the scapular socket.
  • Shoulder bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (small sac of fluid) that rests over the rotator cuff tendons. 
  • Labral tear: Fibrocartilage lining the shoulder blade socket wears due to aging or may be injured.

Diagnostic imaging: 

  • CT (computed tomography)
  • X-ray
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
  • Arthrogram

Treatment may include Rest, activity modifications, Physiotherapy, medications or surgery.

Read more..
Latest from the Medical Industry
Sign up for treatment knowledge base

Contact Us

Mediflam Pvt. Ltd.

206, Siddhraj Zori, Next to Essar petrol pump, Sargasan, Gandhinagar: 382421. Gujarat, India.

Customer Care