We use our shoulders to help perform countless actions on a daily basis, so if we begin to notice that one or both of our shoulders are starting to feel weaker than normal, it can make everyday actions much more uncomfortable. Shoulder weakness tends to be more common as we get older, but wear and tear isn’t the only underlying cause of shoulder instability and weakness. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some shoulder conditions that could be to blame for your shoulder weakness.
Causes Of Shoulder Weakness
Here’s a closer look at some conditions that can present with shoulder weakness. Dr. Holloway has extensive experience treating all of these issues, so if you’re experiencing any shoulder weakness, consider setting up an appointment with his office!
- Rotator Cuff Tears – A torn or damaged rotator cuff is one of the most common conditions that can lead to a feeling of shoulder weakness. Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint to help hold it in place and provide stability. If these tissues are overstretched, torn or otherwise damaged, they won’t be able to provide as much joint support. When the joint becomes unstable, you’re not able to channel as much stress through the area before discomfort develops, which can leave you feeling weaker. Overuse or direct trauma to the shoulder joint can damage your rotator cuff muscles, but mild and moderate cases respond well to conservative treatments like exercise and physical therapy. More severe cases can be artificially strengthened with the help of a surgical procedure.
- Arthritis – Arthritis develops when the protective cartilage that aids in joint movement breaks down. When this happens, bones can end up rubbing against one another. Not only is this sensation painful, but it can also lead to localized stiffness and weakness. There are a number of different types of arthritis, but the two most common in the shoulder joint are osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis tends to develop as a result of wear and tear on the joint over an extended period of time, whereas post-traumatic arthritis, as the name implies, causes expedited cartilage breakdown following trauma to the area. Again, caught early enough, non-operative treatment methods tend to prove effective at restoring function and shoulder strength, but surgery may also be an option for severe cases.
- Impingement – A final condition that can lead to a sensation of weakness in your shoulder is an impingement. A shoulder impingement develops when the shoulder tendons or bursa become inflamed, which causes the shoulder blade to rub against or pinch the rotator cuff during certain movements. Many people suffering from a shoulder impingement will notice that their weakness is more evident when attempting to perform overhead arm movements. If you’re finding it hard to lift your arm above your shoulder, reach out to a specialist like Dr. Holloway. Impingements tend to resolve without surgery through a combination of techniques like rest, anti-inflammatories, activity modifications and physical therapy.
Don’t let shoulder weakness make simple actions uncomfortable. Many of these conditions respond well to conservative care, and we’d love to help you find a solution to your discomfort. For more information, or for help with a different issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s team today at (865) 410-7887.
