Understanding Shoulder Disorders and Your Treatment Options

Shoulder Disorders and Treatment

Because the shoulder is so complex, it is vulnerable to a wide range of injuries. The shoulder joint complex is built from 5 joints or articulations, 30 muscles and 8 ligaments. It offers the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body, and that movement happens across 3 different planes. Grasping this anatomy — and the many ways it can break down (pathomechanics) — is essential to building a sound plan for relieving pain. Dr. Payne's background in biomedical engineering brings extra insight into these intricate relationships. To learn about some of the more common shoulder disorders and treatment options, follow the links below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Disorders

What makes the shoulder so vulnerable to injury?

The shoulder joint complex consists of 5 joints or articulations, 30 muscles and 8 ligaments, and it delivers the largest range of motion of any joint in the body, moving in 3 different planes. That very complexity is what leaves the shoulder open to so many injuries.

Which shoulder disorders does this page cover?

From here you can reach information on labral tears, rotator cuff disorders, shoulder instability, frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis — each with a dedicated page explaining the disorder and its treatment options.

Why does shoulder anatomy matter when planning treatment?

Knowing how the shoulder is built — and the different ways it can break down (pathomechanics) — is key to creating an effective treatment plan that resolves the pain.

How can I learn more about a particular shoulder disorder?

Use the buttons on this page to explore the more common shoulder disorders and their treatment options, including labral tears, rotator cuff disorders, shoulder instability, frozen shoulder and shoulder arthritis.

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Each disorder page walks through what the condition involves and the treatment options available, so you can move from understanding the problem to planning next steps. If you are unsure which category fits your symptoms, the physical exam and radiologic testing pages explain how a diagnosis is reached.