A suprascapular nerve block is one of several injections used to treat chronic shoulder pain, and ultrasound makes it accurate and straightforward. So how do we perform a suprascapular nerve block under ultrasound, and how useful is it in shoulder pain? What is the suprascapular nerve? The suprascapular nerve is one of the [...]
A SLAP lesion of the shoulder is a specific type of shoulder labral tear. Generally, problematic SLAP tears occur in young people involved in throwing sports or after trauma such as a fall. So, how do we manage people with a SLAP lesion of the shoulder? What is a SLAP tear? SLAP stands for [...]
A paralabral cyst — also called a ganglion cyst — is a fluid-filled collection arising from the shoulder joint. Most cause no symptoms at all, and only matter when they press on nearby structures such as a nerve. So what is a paralabral cyst, and does it need treatment? What is a paralabral [...]
Parsonage-Turner syndrome — also called brachial neuritis, brachial neuralgia or neuralgic amyotrophy — is a neurological disorder that causes severe pain followed by lasting damage to the nerves and muscles. It usually affects the nerves of the brachial plexus in the shoulder, though any nerve can be involved. We think the immune system triggers [...]
The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, connects the shoulder with the chest wall (sternum). Collarbone pain can follow an injury, such as a fall, or develop gradually. So what causes clavicle pain, and how do we treat it? Causes of collarbone pain The most common cause of collarbone pain is an acute injury [...]
Frozen shoulder is a widespread problem that causes shoulder pain and stiffness. Generally, it is more common in women between 40 and 60. This blog outlines the most commonly asked questions, including the best frozen shoulder treatments. What is frozen shoulder? Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition affecting the [...]
Weightlifter's shoulder, also known as distal clavicular osteolysis, is pain arising from the end of the collarbone. The bone swells and breaks down, causing pain near the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. It's often confused with other shoulder problems in weightlifters, such as AC joint degeneration or shoulder bursitis. So how do we diagnose and treat [...]
A torn pec muscle is a relatively common injury in bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts. We also see torn chest muscles in contact sports such as rugby or after a fall while skiing. Finding the location of the pec tear is essential to treating the injury well. So what is a torn pec muscle, and [...]
Shoulder pain may be due to many causes, such as rotator cuff tendinosis, shoulder joint arthritis, and frozen shoulder. However, in some less common cases, shoulder pain is caused by the long head of the biceps tendon pain. So, can a long head of biceps tendonitis cause shoulder pain? How do we separate the [...]
Rotator cuff tendon problems are the most common cause of shoulder pain. Problems with the rotator cuff tendons include tendonitis, calcification, and tears. Generally, treatment is exercise-based. Sometimes, however, we use a subdeltoid bursa injection to help with exercise. When should we use a bursa injection? What is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff [...]
