"Do you think I tore my rotator cuff?"

It's an understandable concern. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially among active adults. But many patients are surprised to learn that shoulder pain doesn't automatically mean there's a tear. In fact, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis, which can produce symptoms remarkably similar to a tear.

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”

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.”

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.

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.

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.