As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, I spend every winter treating patients with shoulder injuries. Many assume they were hurt skiing or snowboarding at high speed.

Surprisingly, that's not always the case.

Some of the most significant shoulder injuries happen in the parking lot, on an icy sidewalk, or while carrying skis across a slippery surface.

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.

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.

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.

"Biking can be a valuable addition to a runner's training regimen as it provides a low-impact alternative that reduces the repetitive stress on the knees," states Dr. Sterett.

Dr. Sterett advises, "By diversifying training activities, runners can reduce the strain on specific muscle groups and joints, thereby minimizing the risk of overuse injuries.”

Dr. Sterett explains, "Knee popping can arise from harmless, physiological mechanism. Common causes of knee popping encompasses a variety of factors. Soft tissue interactions, such as the movement of tendons, ligaments, or menisci can produce audible popping sensations.”

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

This overview aims to delve into the distinct differences and commonalities in knee injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding, as well as provide insights into risk factors and injury prevention techniques.

I am dedicated to helping ski enthusiasts enjoy their time on the slopes without the risk of debilitating shoulder injuries. A proactive approach that encompasses both pre-skiing preparations and on-slope techniques is my top recommendation for shoulder injury prevention.

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.

Are you experiencing shoulder pain or weakness? Is it difficult to lift your arm above your head? You might be dealing with a rotator cuff injury — one of the most common sources of shoulder pain.

Shoulder impingement undermines shoulder strength during many activities, whether it be while playing high-level athletics or merely reaching in the cupboard for some gourmet fancy pink himalayan salt.