Falling happens to the best of us. Shoulder injuries typically occur when we try to break our fall with an outstretched arm. You can also injure your shoulder from a direct collision - like into a tree.

One tenth of all alpine skiing injuries go to shoulders and 22-41% of upper extremity injuries. Whereas in snowboarding, the shoulder injuries account for 15% of all injuries and 20-34% of upper extremity injuries. Making both sports to be fairly comparable in terms of incidence of shoulder injuries.

Let’s walk through some of the most common injuries that is seen up on the hill when it comes to the shoulder.

Broken Bones

Fractures of the humerus or clavicle bone can occur when you fall with a force onto the arm. Like when hitting a tree. Fractures can present with an immediate deformity and are super painful. X-rays are diagnostic and can pick up even hairline or small fractures.

Dislocation

The ball comes right out of its socket. The shoulder is a shallow joint, making it susceptible to dislocation. It is super painful until the shoulder is relocated. Medical assistance to relocate the shoulder is needed. If dislocation becomes a repeated event, PRP Regenerative Therapy and Surgery are steps to consider.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is susceptible to injuries. The rotator cuff consists of four tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These tendons act as stabilizers and control smooth joint movement. Strains of these tendons impact movement and lead to pain. It’s that outstretched arm on falling or during a direct blow that rotator cuff injuries are sustained. Afterwards these types of injuries create nagging persistent pain and weakness in movement. Rotator cuff injuries can also develop over time from repetitive movements.

Imaging

A great tool in my clinic for deciphering what is occurring in the shoulder region is a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Ultrasound works by using sound waves to produce images of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Ultrasound can show sprains, strains and tears in the soft tissue. Musculoskeletal ultrasounds have come a long way. Images have gotten clearer. If you are a person who feels pain with movement of the shoulder, images can be taken while doing that particular movement to see if there is any injury there.

Staying in the Zone

Injuries often occur when we are skiing or shredding beyond our comfort. With all of these tight tree runs on Apex, keep in mind that trees don’t move. The severity of injury often correlates to the force or velocity. The faster you go, the harder you fall. Keep your speed in check and look at the gaps, not the trees.

Like any injury sustained on the ski hill, early treatment improves outcomes. Don’t just brush it off, pop another ibuprofen and head up the hill. Instead book a Discovery appointment where we can can pinpoint the problem and make it dissapear.