ACJ injuries, also referred to as “shoulder separations”, are common, accounting for more than 40% of shoulder injuries. These types of injuries can occur after sporting events, falls, accidents, or any other direct impact. Your acromioclavicular joint is located where your collarbone and your shoulder blade meet; if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or bruising and tenderness at the top of your shoulder, or if you are experiencing limited motion in your shoulder, you may have torn or strained the ligaments in your acromioclavicular joint. Treatment options include physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of your injury. We can help you understand your options, create a treatment plan, and transition you back to activity!

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing your arm to move in many directions. There are four tendons that attach muscles from the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone and allow it to stabilize and move, or rotate – this group of tendons is called the rotator cuff. Because they move within a tight space, the rotator cuff is easily injured by repetitive reaching, sudden overhead arm movements (like hitting a tennis ball or pulling to start a lawn mower), and pushing off with your arms when rising from a chair. If you are experiencing pain during movement, weakness in your arm or shoulder, and aching pain at night, your rotator cuff may be inflamed or torn. Treatment options include injections, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of your injury. We can help you understand all of your options and help you find the solution to your pain!

The labrum is rubbery tissue, or fibrocartilage, that is connected to the rim of the shoulder socket. Its main function is to keep the ball of the shoulder joint in place. A tear in this cartilage can result from injury like a fall or accident, or occur naturally as a result of aging. Symptoms of a labral tear (which is also called a SLAP tear, “superior labral tear from anterior to posterior”) include deep, aching shoulder pain, popping, clicking, and grinding in your shoulder, or shoulder weakness. Labral tears can be difficult to diagnose, but we can help you determine if the cause of your pain really is a labral tear and then help you treat it with physical therapy or surgery!

Overhead athletes subject their shoulders to repetitive torque, compression, and stress (think of the arm speed of a pitcher or how hard tennis players serve). The rotator cuff, bicep, humeral head, and other soft tissue structures within the shoulder joint can become unstable as a result. Multiple types of injuries can then occur, which can lead to intense pain or reduced function. Physical therapy can help you regain your full range of motion; if rehabilitation doesn’t work, surgery may be necessary. Our doctors can put together a well-structured rehabilitation program and work with your coaches to return your shoulder to optimal performance!