Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Injury Classification

Shoulder Injuries can be classified into three categories based on their main presenting symptom or complaint.

1. Stiffness

Stiffness maybe felt as a resistance to movement or as a decreased range of movement particularly in overhead activities or turning the arm inwards or reaching behind the back

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis

2. Weakness

Weakness will be noted as a lack of strength and load tolerance of the Shoulder. The lack of capacity may be due to Pain inhibition or damage to the muscle, tendon or joint structures

Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Strains
Shoulder Impingement
Bursitis
Cartilage Tear
AC Joint Injury

3. Instability

Weakness will be noted as a lack of strength and load tolerance of the Shoulder. The lack of capacity may be due to Pain inhibition or damage to the muscle, tendon or joint structures.