Range of Motion Testing
Do you have undiagnosed chronic shoulder pain? Has someone suggested to you that it might be a rotator cuff tear? How do you distinguish between the two?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an ideal means to identify the cause of shoulder pain. MRI uses a magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to take detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI gives clear views of tendon tears and damage to the glenoid labrum, the cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder socket. Swelling and bleeding can also be visualized.
In addition to MRI scanning, a physician or physical therapist can perform specific manual tests to obtain a diagnosis for chronic shoulder pain.
CAUSES OF CHRONIC SHOULDER PAIN
Shoulder pain is considered chronic when it has lasted more than six months. There are generally five major categories of causes:
- Tendon Inflammation or Tear
- Impingement
- Joint Instability
- Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder
TENDON INFLAMMATION – There are two types of tendon inflammation, bursitis and tendonitis.
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