Many shoulder injuries are muscular and happen in conjunction with a neck injury. Stiffness and pain caused by inflammation and pulled muscles respond well to physical therapy which relaxes the tight muscles and reduces the inflammation and pain.

Many common shoulder injuries occur during sports activities, although they can also occur from doing work-related tasks, housework or as the result of a fall. Because it is a natural reflex to put your arms out when you fall, often the shoulder is damaged as you try to save yourself.

Abnormal twisting or bending can cause a sudden very sharp pain which from the onset will be felt every time you try to move your shoulder. After the initial pain, swelling will then ensue and it may be followed with tingling in the fingers or even numbness if a nerve has been pinched during the injury. Complete rest to the shoulder will promote faster healing, although the joint should not be allowed to stiffen up completely. Physical therapy can prevent this from happening but may be somewhat painful to begin with.

Separation of the shoulder is a serious injury which occurs when the outer part of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the end of the shoulder blade; it happens when the ligaments tear. A very hard blow to the shoulder from a fall or something falling onto the shoulder will cause a shoulder separation injury. Falling while playing football or other contact sports can result in shoulder separation injuries. The severity can vary and usually a complete recover is possible with treatment.

Shoulders are also prone to overuse injuries which can present in various ways. Body builders can get serious over use shoulder injuries from placing undue weight on the shoulder joints before they have built up the necessary muscle to support the weight. For this reason weight progression should be gradual.