Shoulder complaints: the occurence, course and diagnosis

Shoulder complaints are expressed in a variety of symptoms. In many cases, the prominent symptom is pain. In some cases, pain is present most of the day and frequently also at night. In other cases, it is provoked primarily by physical activities. Often it is accompanied by restricted range in shoulder movement. This inhibit people in their daily lives by reducing their ability to use their arm in activities such as dressing, personal hygiene, work, household activities, hobbies and sports. These shoulder symptoms may also lead to sick leave, bringing costs to the workers themselves, as well as to employers and society. Although these are a common musculoskeletal complaint, the estimated prevalence of shoulder complaints varies considerably.