The latissimus dorsi — the "lat" — is the large back muscle that powers pulling movements. Lat injuries are uncommon, but they're increasingly seen with CrossFit, weight training, throwing, water skiing and gymnastics. The most important thing about a lat injury is where it occurs along the muscle because that determines how it's treated. [...]
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but that versatility comes at a cost. It also makes the shoulder prone to injury. Falling onto the shoulder, or onto an outstretched arm, is one of the commonest ways to injure it. So what are the main shoulder injuries from falling and when does [...]
Osteonecrosis of the shoulder — also called avascular necrosis (AVN) — is a condition in which part of the bone in the shoulder loses its blood supply and begins to die. It affects the humeral head, the ball at the top of the arm bone, and after the hip it's the second most common [...]
Sometimes a shoulder dislocation and nerve damage occur together, which can significantly affect recovery and function. Recognising and managing the nerve injury is crucial for a full recovery. So how do you know if a shoulder dislocation has damaged a nerve, and what should you do? What is a shoulder dislocation? A shoulder dislocation [...]
The long thoracic nerve supplies the serratus anterior — the muscle that holds the shoulder blade flat against the chest wall. When the nerve is damaged, the shoulder blade lifts away from the chest, producing the characteristic "winged scapula". So what causes a long thoracic nerve injury, and how do we treat it? [...]
Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems among athletes, particularly those involved in overhead activities. While rotator cuff tendon and labral tears are well recognised, another important but often overlooked cause is suprascapular nerve entrapment. This condition occurs when the suprascapular nerve is compressed as it passes through narrow anatomical spaces in [...]
Shoulder pain in a young athlete can worry parents and coaches. One increasingly recognised cause is little league shoulder — a growth-plate injury also known as proximal humeral epiphysitis. It's most common in children and adolescents who do overhead sports, and early recognition is crucial to prevent long-term problems and get them safely back [...]
The subscapularis tendon is a vital part of the rotator cuff, driving the shoulder movements used in overhead sports such as swimming, tennis, and other racquet sports. Injury to it — whether tendonitis or an acute tear — can significantly affect shoulder function. This guide covers the assessment, rehabilitation, and surgical options for a [...]
For many people, weightlifting is an essential part of their training. But with its wide range of motion, the shoulder is highly susceptible to injury — especially from repetitive lifting. Shoulder pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, activity-limiting problems, so understanding the causes and treatment of shoulder pain from weights is key [...]
Os acromiale is a condition that occurs when the acromion, which is part of the shoulder blade, fails to fuse properly, leaving a gap. Usually, this gap in the bone doesn't cause problems. However, this condition can sometimes cause shoulder pain. So, what exactly is an Os acromiale, how can it cause pain, and [...]
