Shoulder Pain
Some common causes of shoulder pain we can assist with are:
ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS/ FROZEN SHOULDER
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Frozen shoulder is an acute inflammatory condition where the shoulder becomes increasingly painful and stiff.
It can arise spontaneously or after an injury. Generally the condition occurs in 3 stages.
Phase 1
Freezing Stage (2-9 months)
- This phase tends to see the shoulder have a gradual onset of pain that worsens with movement.
Phase 2
Frozen Stage (occurs around month 4 and can last till 12 months)
- Pain at rest eases at this stage but can still hurt at end ranges
- The shoulder becomes progressively stiffer
Phase 3
Thawing Stage (anywhere from 5-24 months)
- The shoulder slowly starts to show signs of improvement in range of motion
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
While frozen shoulder can occur in anyone, it more commonly affects women between the ages of 40-55.
It can also be seen in some post shoulder surgery cases where inflammation causes altered movement and then stiffness.
NB: Manual therapy has been shown to be useful in improving frozen shoulder while a concurrent mobility plan has been prescribed for home. Referral to specialists for injections and surgery are sometimes also viable in frozen shoulders.
ROTATOR CUFF STRAINS & TEARS
The rotator cuff is a group of small muscles that surround the shoulder joint. They are responsible for providing most of the stability to the shoulder joint as without them it is an extremely unstable joint.
While an injury may occur to one particular muscle or tendon in the rotator cuff they work as a synergistic team, therefore treatment and rehabilitation focuses on the whole rotator cuff rather than a single muscle.
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
- Grade 1 for mild strains
- Grade 2 for moderate strains with swelling, bruising and weakness
- Grade 3 for full rupture (the muscle ripping into two separate pieces)
The most common muscles injured around the shoulder include the rotator cuff, biceps, pectorals and latissimus dorsi.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
- The muscle has been overstretched
- The muscle has been forced to contract too strongly.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Muscle strains can occur in anyone whether they are sedentary or active but there is a high risk associated with people that partake in sports and recreational exercise.
SYMPTOMS
- Sharp pain and tenderness over the strain area
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain on usage of the muscle
- Weakness on usage of the muscle
ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Tendons are strong, rope-like structures that attach muscles to bone, this means they are essential for making us mobile.
Tendons love consistent habits and routines and therefore can cause us pain when they are overused or under prepared for exercise. There are two types of tendinopathy; Tendinitis (acute tendon injury) and Tendinosis (chronic tendon injury).
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is the umbrella term to describe tendon pathology of one of the 4 rotator cuff tendons.
What Causes this Condition?
Other common causes include
- Throwing sports (baseball, netball, basketball)
- Racquet sports (tennis, badminton)
- Sudden commencement of frequent exercise
- Heavy manual labour for work, especially overhead
- Repetitive arm movements
- Lack of rest
SYMPTOMS
- Tenderness of the rotator cuff muscles
- Pain or weakness with overhead activities
- Pain with carrying or reaching
- Shoulder stiffness
- Pain while lying on the affected shoulder
SHOULDER BURSITIS
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
They mainly act as a cushion between tendons and bones and can be found around all large joints (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles). Bursitis is the term used to describe when a bursa becomes inflamed.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Muscle strains can occur in anyone whether they are sedentary or active but there is a high risk associated with people that partake in sports and recreational exercise.
Contributing factors include;
- Tenderness of the side of the shoulder
- Pain or weakness with overhead activities
- Pain with carrying or reaching
- Shoulder stiffness
- Pain while lying on the affected shoulder
SYMPTOMS
- Tenderness of the side of the shoulder
- Pain or weakness with overhead activities
- Pain with carrying or reaching
- Shoulder stiffness
- Pain while lying on the affected shoulder
SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT
What is the Condition?
Commonly this condition is caused by insufficient space between the head of the humerus, the tip of the shoulder blade (acromion).
The tendons of the rotator cuff, biceps muscle and bursa all live in this small space. While the structures that live in this space are impinged naturally it can become problematic when there is inflammation present in these structures. This is when people begin to experience pain while raising their arm, swelling or weakness.
As the pain in impingement is caused by an irritated internal structure the team at Excel Body & Health will thoroughly assess and diagnose an underlying cause.
Please see “Rotator Cuff Strains”, “Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy”, “Subacromial Bursitis” for further information.
Treatment for Shoulder pain
The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners that will assist in determining the cause, treatment and management of your shoulder pain. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and will focus on reducing pain, restoring normal function and preventing re-injury of your shoulder.
Treatment may include soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription.
A personalised treatment plan will aid in managing the injury and associated pain in the short and long term.
