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Shoulder

The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, enabling the arm to be lifted, rotated, and moved in multiple directions. It is central to many everyday and sporting activities.

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Contents

Quick version

What is the shoulder?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). It consists of several joints, muscles, and tendons that together provide great mobility but also make it vulnerable to injury.

Anatomy and structure

The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is a shallow socket where the upper arm bone meets the shoulder blade. Around the joint is the rotator cuff – four muscles and their tendons – that stabilize the shoulder. The collarbone and the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) are also part of the shoulder complex.

Movements and function

The shoulder performs flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, inward and outward rotation. The combination of the shape of the joint and the musculature makes it possible to raise the arms above the head and perform circular movements.

Nerves and blood supply

The shoulder is supplied by nerve branches from the brachial plexus, which control movement and sensation in the arm. The blood supply comes from arteries such as the axillary and subclavian.

Common conditions and diseases

Having pain in the shoulder can be due to overexertion, inflammation, injury or age-related changes. Common diagnoses include impingement, rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder and dislocation (out of joint).

Examination and diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, tests of mobility and strength and imaging diagnostics such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI of the shoulder. Other testers can also be used if impingement or tendon problems are suspected.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain with arm movement
  • Reduced mobility
  • Weakness in the arm
  • Clicking sound or instability
  • Pain at night when lying down

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Impingement
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • AC joint inflammation

Questions and answers

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow rotation and lifting of the arm. It is often involved in shoulder pain and injuries.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons in the rotator cuff become pinched between the humerus and the bony arch of the shoulder blade. This leads to pain, especially when lifting above shoulder height.

A frozen shoulder is treated with pain relief, physiotherapy and sometimes cortisone injections. The condition is long-lasting but usually resolves spontaneously within 1–2 years.

When the shoulder dislocates, a shoulder dislocation, it means that the upper arm bone jumps out of the socket. This requires repositioning of the joint and follow-up training to reduce the risk of recurrent dislocations.

A tendon rupture causes symptoms such as pain and weakness, often with difficulty lifting the arm. Diagnosis is made with clinical tests and confirmed with ultrasound or MRI.

Yes, it is important to have the right training for shoulder pain. Physiotherapy with a focus on strength, mobility and posture often has a good effect, especially in cases of impingement and overload.

Night pain is common with shoulder injuries such as impingement or rotator cuff problems. Lying down increases pressure on the joint, which makes the pain worse.

It is an irritation of the joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade. The inflammation causes local tenderness and pain with pressure or movement, especially over the head.

If you experience persistent pain, difficulty moving your arm, suspect that your shoulder is dislocated or have nighttime pain, you should seek medical attention for examination and possible further treatment.