Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed beneath the acromion during arm movement. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination along with X-rays and MRI (if required).
Symptoms
- Pain while lifting the arm
- Pain during overhead activities
- Night pain
- Difficulty reaching behind the back
- Weakness of the shoulder
Treatment
- Non-surgical: activity modification, physiotherapy, pain medications, corticosteroid injection (selected patients)
- Surgical: arthroscopic subacromial decompression
- Rotator cuff repair if associated tear is present
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. These tendons may tear due to injury or age-related degeneration.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination, X-ray and MRI.
Symptoms
- Pain while lifting the arm
- Weakness
- Night pain
- Difficulty combing hair or wearing clothes
- Loss of shoulder function
Treatment
- Partial tears: physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections
- Complete tears: Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Rehabilitation after surgery
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder repeatedly slips out of its normal position due to ligament injury or previous dislocation.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination, X-ray, MRI or CT scan.
Symptoms
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- Feeling of shoulder slipping
- Pain during sports
- Weakness
- Apprehension while throwing
Treatment
- Physiotherapy (first-time dislocation in selected patients)
- Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
- Latarjet Procedure (selected recurrent cases)
Bankart Tear
A Bankart tear is an injury to the labrum in the front of the shoulder, commonly occurring after shoulder dislocation.
Symptoms
- Shoulder instability
- Repeated dislocations
- Pain
- Clicking sensation
- Loss of confidence during sports
Treatment
- Physiotherapy (selected cases)
- Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is a condition in which the shoulder becomes painful and progressively stiff.
Symptoms
- Severe pain
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Restricted movement
- Night pain
- Difficulty dressing
Treatment
- Pain medications
- Physiotherapy
- Hydrodilatation
- Steroid injection
- Arthroscopic Capsular Release (persistent cases)
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
This condition develops when a long-standing rotator cuff tear leads to arthritis of the shoulder joint.
Symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Weakness
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Reduced shoulder movement
Treatment
- Pain medications
- Physiotherapy
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement (advanced cases)
Proximal Humerus Fracture
A fracture involving the upper part of the arm bone near the shoulder. It commonly occurs after falls, especially in older adults.
Symptoms
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to move the shoulder
Treatment
- Non-operative: sling, physiotherapy
- Operative: locking plate fixation, intramedullary nailing
- Shoulder replacement (complex fractures)
Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial implants to relieve pain and restore function. Common reasons include severe arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, complex fractures, and failed previous surgery.
Types
- Anatomic Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Hemiarthroplasty
Benefits
- Excellent pain relief
- Improved shoulder movement
- Better quality of life
- Return to daily activities
SLAP Tear
A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear is an injury to the upper part of the shoulder labrum, often seen in athletes and after trauma.
Symptoms
- Deep shoulder pain
- Clicking
- Pain while throwing
- Weakness
Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Arthroscopic SLAP Repair or Biceps Tenodesis
AC Joint Injury
An injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint usually caused by a fall directly onto the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Pain on top of the shoulder
- Swelling
- Visible bump
- Difficulty lifting the arm
Treatment
- Sling
- Physiotherapy
- Surgical reconstruction (severe injuries)
Biceps Tendon Injury
The tendon of the biceps muscle may become inflamed or torn, leading to pain in the front of the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Front shoulder pain
- Clicking
- Weakness
- Pain while lifting
Treatment
- Rest
- Physiotherapy
- Arthroscopic Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy
Osteoarthritis of Shoulder
Degeneration of the shoulder joint cartilage causing pain and stiffness.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Grinding sensation
- Reduced movement
Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Medications
- Injections
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Prevention Tips
- Strengthen shoulder muscles
- Warm up before sports
- Improve posture
- Avoid repetitive overhead lifting
- Treat shoulder pain early
When Should You Consult a Specialist?
- Shoulder pain lasting more than 2 weeks
- Difficulty lifting your arm
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation
- Night pain
- Weakness after injury
- Sudden loss of shoulder movement
Recovery Timeline
- 2–6 weeks — Early movement
- 6–12 weeks — Strengthening
- 3–6 months — Return to sports
Why Choose Dr. Hargovind Singh?
- AIIMS New Delhi-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
- International Fellowship-trained Shoulder Surgeon (Scotland, UK)
- Fellowship-trained in Joint Replacement and Sports Injury (Austria)
- Fellowship-trained in Robotic Joint Replacement (Japan)
- Expertise in Arthroscopy, Shoulder Instability, Sports Injuries, and Shoulder Replacement
- Evidence-based treatment with individualized care
- Focus on early recovery and return to daily activities
