The shoulder joint is a complex ball and socket joint, formed by the head of the humerus (long arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collar bone). The shape of these bones do not form a particularly stable joint, therefore a group of muscles known as the rotator cuff play an integral role in stabilising the shoulder joint and maintaining the bones in place. We rely on a mobile shoulder joint to allow us to carry out everyday tasks such as overhead reaching, placing our arm behind our back and head, and lifting objects, and in order to provide enough movement the shoulder joint sacrifices stability. With repetitive movement in a joint that lacks stability, there is unfortunately a greater risk of injury occurring, making shoulder injuries a common complaint.

5 common shoulder injuries are:

(more…)