Tim Smith is a physician associate with Salem Health Orthopedics. Smith primarily works in shoulder surgery and said the most common injuries he finds are labrum tears, rotator cuff tears and arthritis.

Labrum tear causes and treatment

The labrum is the soft ring of tissue around the shoulder joint.

“This can often tear in young athletes or manual laborers who experience a dislocation while playing a sport or working,” Smith said. “Common actions that can result in injury include lifting heavy objects, overhead throwing or traumatic falls.”

Labrum tears can lead to pain and instability in the shoulder. If left untreated, the injury could cause early arthritis.

“Often, labrum tears can be treated with physical therapy to better stabilize the shoulder joint,” Smith said. “If this is not sufficient or if symptoms continue, arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum may be warranted.”

Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff consists of several muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. It can tear from a traumatic event, such as heavy lifting or a fall, or can be worn down over time.

“Rotator cuff tears, both traumatic and nontraumatic, are often successfully treated with shoulder stabilization exercises and/or cortisone injections,” Smith said. “If the tear is large enough and does not improve with these treatments, a surgery may be required to repair the rotator cuff.”

Osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment

Osteoarthritis is most common in patients over 60 experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness and can worsen over time. It can be treated with physical therapy and cortisone injections as well. If those don’t prove to be effective, shoulder replacement surgery is another option, Smith said.

So, how can patients prevent these kinds of injuries?

Best exercises for prevention

“There are a variety of exercises available to you that can be effective,” Smith said. “Variations of rowing, lifting weights away from your body and out to the sides, curling and overhead stretching can all be successful when performed with proper technique.”

Smith recommends starting with small weights and gradually progressing over time.

“Lifting too heavy before you are ready poses the risk that you hurt yourself rather than doing any good,” he said. “Remember, muscle isn't built in a day or a week, but over a long period of time.”

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