Shoulder Pain and Injuries: Common Causes in Sports and Daily Life

2026年2月4日 2026年2月4日

あきと

Shoulder injuries are very common among athletes.

Both acute injuries, such as shoulder dislocations, and chronic conditions, such as throwing-related shoulder pain, are frequently encountered in sports settings.

Even among non-athletes, many people experience shoulder pain due to conditions such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).

The shoulder has a very large range of motion, which makes stability and control especially challenging compared with other joints.

In this article, we organize common causes of shoulder pain and injuries.

Akito

Because the shoulder moves so freely, it relies heavily on good control—so injuries can happen more easily.

1 List of Common Shoulder Conditions (Alphabetical)
2 Acute Shoulder Injuries – Sudden Onset of Pain
3 Chronic Shoulder Conditions – Gradual Onset of Pain
4 Summary

List of Common Shoulder Conditions (Alphabetical)

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (Subacromial / Internal)
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Shoulder Dislocation
Glenoid Labral Tear
Rotator Cuff Injury
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain / Dislocation
Clavicle Fracture
Long Head of the Biceps Tendinitis
Throwing-Related Shoulder Pain (Thrower’s Shoulder)
Little League Shoulder (Proximal Humeral Epiphysiolysis)
Quadrilateral Space Syndrome (QLS)

Acute Shoulder Injuries
– Sudden Onset of Pain

This section outlines injuries in which pain begins suddenly after a specific incident. Examples include falls, direct impacts, or contact during play.

1. Shoulder Dislocation
Dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, commonly occurring during contact sports such as rugby tackles. Recurrence is common, and surgical intervention may be required in some cases.
2. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain / Dislocation
Injury to the joint between the clavicle and scapula, often caused by falling directly onto the shoulder. Pain can be severe, and surgery may be considered depending on the severity.
3. Clavicle Fracture
A fracture of the clavicle resulting from falls or direct impact. Pain is often intense, and surgical treatment may be needed in certain cases.
4. Acute Rotator Cuff Injury (Strain or Tear)
An acute injury to the shoulder’s rotator cuff muscles or tendons. While rotator cuff problems may also develop gradually in overhead athletes, a sudden strain or tear can occur after a fall, impact, or forceful movement. Pain is typically provoked during shoulder motion.

$Anterior view illustration showing common acute shoulder injuries, including dislocation, AC joint injury, clavicle fracture, and rotator cuff injury$

Akito

Sudden shoulder pain can be associated with significant injury. Early medical evaluation is recommended, especially after a fall or direct impact.

Chronic Shoulder Conditions
– Gradual Onset of Pain

This section focuses on conditions in which shoulder pain develops progressively over time.

1. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
A collective term for shoulder conditions characterized by pain and restricted range of motion. It is more common in middle-aged adults, and in many cases, no clear triggering event is identified.
2. Throwing-Related Shoulder Pain (Thrower’s Shoulder)
A broad term describing shoulder pain associated with repetitive throwing motions. It can include multiple conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement syndromes.
3. Glenoid Labral Tear
Injury to the labrum, the rim of cartilage surrounding the glenoid socket. It may result from traumatic events such as dislocation or from repetitive overhead movements. Symptoms often include pain and a catching sensation during shoulder motion.
4. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Degeneration
Overuse-related changes or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons, commonly seen in overhead athletes. Pain often occurs with arm elevation, rotation, or repeated loading.
5. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Inflammation caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa between the acromion and humerus. Pain is often felt when raising the arm, especially between 60° and 120° of elevation.
6. Internal Impingement
A condition frequently observed in throwing athletes, where posterior-superior shoulder structures are compressed during the late cocking phase of throwing. Pain is typically provoked with shoulder abduction and external rotation.
7. Long Head of the Biceps Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii. It commonly develops due to repetitive shoulder loading, with pain localized to the front of the shoulder.
8. Little League Shoulder
An overuse injury affecting the growth plate of the proximal humerus in young athletes. As the name suggests, it is commonly seen in youth baseball players and often causes pain during throwing or shoulder rotation.
9. Quadrilateral Space Syndrome (QLS)
A condition involving compression of the axillary nerve as it passes through the quadrilateral space, bordered by the teres muscles and the long head of the triceps. Symptoms may include posterior shoulder pain and sensory disturbance, sometimes related to repetitive throwing.

Akito

Chronic shoulder pain can involve a range of conditions. If symptoms persist, it is important to rule out significant injury with appropriate evaluation.