Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and can impact their ability to perform daily activities, work, and participate in leisure activities. For example, people with shoulder pain may have difficulty lifting or carrying objects, reaching for items on high shelves, or performing tasks that require overhead movements. This can affect their ability to work in certain professions, such as construction or manual labor, and can also impact their hobbies and interests, such as playing sports or gardening. In addition to the physical limitations, shoulder pain can also have a negative impact on a person's emotional and mental well-being. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, and can also affect a person's social life and relationships. Therefore, it is important to seek proper medical attention if you are experiencing shoulder pain, in order to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. With proper care and management, many people with shoulder pain are able to regain their mobility and quality of life.

• Rotator cuff tear
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Shoulder instability or dislocation
• Arthritis
• Labrum tear
• Fractured collarbone (clavicle)
• Shoulder separation (acromioclavicular joint injury)
• SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) tear
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Shoulder blade (scapula) fracture
• Shoulder blade (scapula) winging
• Snapping scapula syndrome
• Shoulder osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder
• Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (also known as "frozen shoulder")
• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
• Subacromial bursitis
• Thoracic scoliosis
• Shoulder blade (scapula) dislocation
• Adhesive capsulitis of the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint)
• Brachial plexus injury
• Thoracic kyphosis
• Snapping biceps syndrome
• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck that can cause shoulder pain)

Be aware that each condition may have multiple underlying causes or risk factors. Here are some common causes and risk factors for shoulder conditions:

• Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
• Trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident
• Poor posture or body mechanics
• Aging and natural wear and tear of the shoulder joint
• Degenerative diseases, such as arthritis
• Genetics or family history of shoulder problems
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs
• Smoking or other unhealthy lifestyle habits
• Structural abnormalities or malformations, such as an abnormally shaped acromion.
• Repetitive overhead motions, such as those performed in sports like swimming or baseball
• Heavy lifting or carrying objects
• Poor ergonomics in the workplace or during daily activities
• Rotator cuff weakness or imbalances
• Shoulder instability or dislocation due to previous injury or trauma
• Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Infections, such as septic arthritis or osteomyelitis
• Nerve compression or entrapment, such as thoracic outlet syndrome
• Poor circulation or blood flow to the shoulder area
• Tumors or growths in or around the shoulder joint.

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for shoulder pain. A physiotherapist can design a personalised treatment plan that may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and education on proper body mechanics to improve shoulder function and reduce pain. Here are some specific ways that physiotherapy can help with shoulder pain:

• Exercises: Physiotherapists can prescribe specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. These exercises may include stretching, resistance training, and range of motion exercises.
• Manual therapy: Physiotherapists may use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manual stretching to help reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility.
• Education: A physiotherapist can provide education on proper posture and body mechanics to help reduce strain on the shoulder joint. They may also teach exercises and stretches that can be done at home to further support shoulder health.
• Modalities: Physiotherapists may use modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot or cold therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
• Rehabilitation: For individuals recovering from a shoulder injury or surgery, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in rehabilitation. A physiotherapist can design a rehabilitation program that helps to restore normal shoulder function and reduce pain.
• Posture correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain and dysfunction. A physiotherapist can teach individuals proper posture techniques to help reduce strain on the shoulder joint.
• Soft tissue mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy can help relieve tension and reduce pain in the muscles and soft tissues around the shoulder joint.
• Neuromuscular re-education: For individuals with shoulder pain due to muscle imbalances or coordination problems, a physiotherapist can use neuromuscular re-education
• Taping and bracing: A physiotherapist may use taping or bracing techniques to help support the shoulder joint and reduce pain during activity.
• Gradual return to activity: For individuals returning to physical activity after a shoulder injury or surgery, a physiotherapist can design a gradual return to activity plan to help reduce the risk of re-injury.
• Home exercise program: A physiotherapist can design a customized home exercise program that can be done independently to help maintain shoulder health and prevent future injury.

Overall, physiotherapy can provide a comprehensive approach to shoulder pain treatment, combining exercises, manual therapy, education, and other techniques to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment program for shoulder pain.