Off-piste skiing is the ultimate adventure for those seeking the thrill of untouched powder and challenging terrain. However, it also comes with unique risks, particularly to the shoulders. Navigating uneven snow, steep slopes, and hidden obstacles can put significant strain on this critical joint, leading to injuries such as dislocations, sprains, or rotator cuff tears.

For avid skiers, the road to recovery from shoulder surgery can be challenging, but with the right guidance and dedication, you can safely get back to the sport. Dr. William Sterett, a seasoned shoulder dislocation doctor at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, is committed to helping patients regain strength, stability, and confidence in their shoulders.

Understanding the cause of your shoulder pain is the first step to a full recovery. Working with a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Sterett ensures a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific injury and your unique needs as an athlete.

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures surrounding the shoulder joint no longer keep the ball within its socket, leading to frequent shoulder dislocations or a feeling that the shoulder might give out. This condition can result from a traumatic injury, repetitive strain, or congenital factors.

The question, "can a dislocated shoulder cause a rotator cuff tear?" is often asked by patients. The answer is yes. The force that dislocates the shoulder can indeed cause a tear in the rotator cuff.

Dr. Sterett states, "Shoulder popping may originate from dynamic interactions between the bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage within the joint”

Dr. Sterett explains, “The most common direction for a shoulder dislocation is anteriorly – where the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket towards the front of the body. This type of dislocation, known as an anterior shoulder dislocation, accounts for approximately 95% of all shoulder dislocations.”

Let's take a look at three of the most common causes of shoulder weakness, alongside treatment options to help you regain strength and restore function.

Dr. Bill Sterett, MD, a renowned orthopaedic shoulder surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, was recently elected to join the ranks of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) as a Candidate Member.

Shoulder ligaments — the fibrous tissues that connect the bones of the shoulder joint to each other — can tear due to repetitive or traumatic stress.

Here’s what to know about shoulder joint replacement and when to discuss this procedure with your orthopaedic physician.

Swimmer’s shoulder is a common term that refers to shoulder impingement. This is an overuse injury typically seen in athletes whose sports involve repetitive shoulder movements.

Any damage to the muscles or tendons in the biceps can result in pain. Here are two common causes of bicep pain and what the treatment options are for each.

Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries Team Sterett treats in mountain bikers (and how we help get them back on the bike).

Your shoulder joint is composed of muscles, bones, and tendons. An injury to any section (or sections) of your shoulder can cause painful shoulder symptoms.

When there’s a tear to the rotator cuff, the pain can be severe and prolonged. At that point, Dr. Sterett and his Vail Valley team may recommend surgery.

Shoulder separations are often confused with shoulder dislocations. However, there are significant differences between these two injuries - including how orthopaedic physicians treat them.

When an athlete dislocates their shoulder, the risk of a secondary dislocation is fairly predictable. Depending on their age and the type of sport they participate in, a second shoulder separation could be life-threatening.

With a rotator cuff tear, surgery is typically recommended. But shoulder impingement may be healed by eliminating the cause or contributing factor.

Have a rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, or shoulder dislocation? Consulting a sports medicine specialist for the most common shoulder injuries is key.