The two most widely shoulder conditions and symptoms are outlined below.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is the familiar name of adhesive capsulitis, an inflammatory condition that limits motion in the shoulder. The tissues surrounding the joint stiffen, adhesions (internal scar tissue) form, and shoulder movements become difficult and painful.

The condition generally occurs because of lack of use due to pain caused by injury but can also occur with no obvious cause. Groups of people with an increased risk for this condition include those with diabetes, shoulder trauma (including surgery), hyperthyroidism, and a history of open-heart disease or cervical disk disease.

The shoulders are the most mobile joints in the body, but alas this makes them prone to injury.

The key symptoms for frozen shoulder include:

• Limited Motion
• Pain
• Stiffness

Shoulder Separation

A shoulder separation is the partial or complete separation of the clavicle (collarbone) and acromion process (top of shoulder blade at the end) which meet at the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint).

The usual cause of a separated shoulder is a fall or blow to the shoulder. The impact may stretch or tear the ligaments that stabilize the AC joint. This separates the bones in the shoulder, creating a bump at the top of the shoulder.

The key symptoms for shoulder separation include:

• Bump at the top of the shoulde
• Intense shoulder pain
• Limited shoulder movement
• Shoulder bruising or swelling
• Shoulder or arm weakness
• Tenderness of shoulder and collarbone