Martial arts help improve balance and agility, but the throws, rolls and falls can take their toll. The shoulder consists of joints, tendons, ligaments and bones -- any one of which may suffer damage during training. MayoClinic.com calls the shoulder one the body's most flexible joints. When it becomes injured, you may lose the power of one arm until it heals. The complexity of the shoulder design means you could be injured in many ways while participating in a martial arts program. If you feel pain in either shoulder, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Separation
A shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments that support the joint become torn or stretched. This can happen as a martial artist rolls to avoid a blow or lands on a mat when thrown. As the ligaments become loose, the shoulder blade can shift. MayoClinic.com states that shoulder separations are painful but rarely serious. Weakness in the arm and shoulder, bruising, swelling or a prominent bump may develop. You will have limited mobility in the arm. To treat a shoulder separation, apply ice to the affected area. Leave the ice in place for up to 20 minutes. Reapply the ice often throughout the first few days after the injury. If necessary, immobilize the arm with a sling. Once the ligaments heal, stretching and exercise will strengthen the shoulder.
Dislocation
One focal point of the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint. This joint consists of a ball end and a cup to hold it. When the ball pushes out of the center of the cup, this is a dislocation. Dislocations may occur when an arm is twisted during a flip or throw. One martial artist grabs the arm of his opponent and exerts enough force to rotate his body. In the process, the ball moves forward or backward and becomes dislocated. A dislocated shoulder will appear deformed or look different, because the bone has come out of place. A dislocation needs to be examined by a doctor to rule out fracture.
Fracture
Bones in the shoulder may break during martial arts. The clavicle is a bony piece that connects the joint in the shoulder to the scapula. A fracture of the clavicle may displace the shoulder joint. The humerus is the bone that holds the ball end of the shoulder joint. As with the clavicle, a fracture of this bone may unhinge the shoulder and produce a dislocation. Fractures can occur from a hit, roll or fall during martial arts. Severe fractures may push the bone through the skin or show as a deformity. Any suspected shoulder injury should be checked to rule out fracture. An undiagnosed fracture may lead to complications later.
Impingement
Impingement is damage that can occur after years of participating in martial arts. An impingement is inflammation of the muscles that support the shoulder blade. Over time, the rubbing of these muscles against the bone will cause irritation. Impingement will require medical evaluation and, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, may lead to other injuries. If you feel muscular pain near the top of the shoulder blade, consult your doctor to rule out an impingement.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Separated Shoulder; Mayo Clinic staff; February 8, 2011
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Acute Shoulder Injuries; David M. Quillen, M.D., et al.; November 15, 2004
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Common Shoulder Injuries; July 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Dislocation; Mayo Clinic staff; December 21, 2010
