There are three main bones that make up your shoulder joint: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle). These bones are held together by a combination of muscles, tendons and tissues.  Injury can occur in any one of these complex components.

Strengthening your muscles and understanding why you’re in pain are the keys to bouncing back from a shoulder injury.

What are the main causes of shoulder pain and shoulder injuries?

Having weak muscles is the main reason people get a shoulder injury. There are four other common causes of shoulder pain, including:

  1. Inflamed or torn tendons. Bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and tissues) and tendons (strong cords that connect muscles to bones) in the shoulder can become inflamed and painful when you move the joint over and over again for long periods of time. Repeated throwing or other overhead activities as well as degenerative diseases like arthritis are the most common causes of this issue.
  2. Instable or dislocated shoulder. When the head of your humerus is forced out of its socket your shoulder becomes unstable. A sudden injury or excessively overusing the joint can cause instability. Once the shoulder ligaments, tendons, and muscles are loosened or torn, dislocations can reoccur.
  3. Fracture (broken bone). When you’re younger, you might fracture your shoulder while playing a contact sport or if you’re in a motor vehicle accident. Fractures often cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising about the shoulder.
  4. Arthritis. The most common type of arthritis that affects the shoulder is osteoarthritis. Symptoms of this disease usually appear after middle age and the pain generally worsens over time.

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Treating your shoulder pain

Elastoplast offers a range of products to help you relieve your shoulder pain.

If you’ve injured your shoulder playing sport or in another severe accident, contact a qualified physician immediately. While you are waiting, keep your sore shoulder still and close to your body. Apply a cold Elastoplast Hot/Cold Pack for 20 minutes every 2 hours to help reduce any swelling.

Read our article on Shoulder Pain and Injury for detailed instructions on how to safely strap your shoulder using Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape.

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Preventing shoulder pain and shoulder injuries

To reduce your risk of injuring your shoulder you need to build a strong upper body. Stretching your muscles is the best way to strengthen them. Stretching can also improve shoulder flexibility which is especially important for sports like tennis and golf.

Try Elastoplast’s targeted exercise here to help strengthen your upper spine and shoulder muscles. Watch the video and follow the detailed instructions at home or outdoors.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, contact your healthcare practitioner.

Preventing and Treating Shoulder Pain and Injuries
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Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us here.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.