S46.01

Clinical Causes: Repetitive overhead activities, such as tennis or swimming Sudden injury or trauma to the shoulder, like falling on an outstretched arm Heavy lifting with improper technique Degeneration of shoulder tissues due to aging Overuse in sports or occupational tasks that involve repetitive shoulder motions

Key Symptoms: Pain, especially when moving the shoulder or raising the arm Weakness in the shoulder or arm Limited range of motion Aching or throbbing pain that worsens with activity Tenderness when touching the shoulder Difficulty performing overhead tasks or lifting objects

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination by a healthcare professional. They assess shoulder movement, strength, and pain points. Imaging tests such as X-rays can help rule out other issues like bone fractures, while MRI scans provide detailed images of muscles and tendons, confirming the presence of strains or tears. Sometimes, ultrasound examinations may be used to evaluate soft tissue injuries in real-time.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment approaches often focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring shoulder function. Options include: - Rest and activity modification to prevent further injury - Ice applications to minimize swelling and pain - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief - Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility - Specific shoulder exercises tailored to the injury - Corticosteroid injections in persistent cases - In severe instances, surgical procedures such as rotator cuff repair may be considered if tears are significant or do not respond to conservative treatments Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the strain and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Gradual return to activities is advised to prevent re-injury.