The shoulder trades stability for range of motion, which is why it is injured so readily in crashes and falls.
What it is
Seat belts load the shoulder directly in a collision, and falls onto an outstretched hand drive force through it.
Rotator cuff tears, impingement, labral injury and bursitis all present with overlapping pain patterns.
Shoulder pain is also referred from the neck, which is why the neck is examined in every shoulder assessment here.
How it usually presents
- Pain on the outer upper arm rather than on the joint itself.
- Worse reaching overhead or behind the back.
- Night pain, particularly lying on that side.
- Weakness lifting or holding the arm out.
How we treat it
- Examination that distinguishes true shoulder pathology from referred neck pain.
- Joint or bursa injection under guidance.
- Physical therapy for the rotator cuff and scapular control.
- Surgical referral for significant structural tears.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Do rotator cuff tears always need surgery?
No. Many partial and even full-thickness tears are managed well without it, particularly in older patients.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.