When it comes to determining the cause of shoulder issues, it’s important to consider the alignment, range of motion, and strength of the joint involved. Tina’s limited abduction of the left shoulder indicates that there may be an underlying issue causing reduced mobility in the joint. This could be due to muscular tightness, injury, or arthritis.
What Is Shoulder Abduction?
Shoulder abduction is the movement of the arm away from the body, in the plane of the scapula. It is usually performed by raising the arm up and out. This movement is important for everyday activities such as reaching for something overhead, and for more complex activities such as swimming and throwing.
Common Causes of Reduced Shoulder Abduction
If Tina has limited abduction of her left shoulder, it may be caused by any of the following:
- Tight muscles, specifically the lats, pectoralis major, and subscapularis.
- Joint stiffness caused by arthritis.
- Injury, such as a shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or labral tear.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If Tina is experiencing limited shoulder abduction, she should see a doctor or physical therapist. The healthcare provider will ask her about her symptoms, and perform tests to determine the cause of the issue. They may also recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to get a better view of the joint structure.
Treatment for limited shoulder abduction typically involves stretching, strengthening exercises, and physical therapy. If the cause of the problem is an injury, the doctor may recommend surgery or injections. Regardless, it’s important to start treatment early to prevent further damage and improve shoulder mobility.