- Sharp pain, dull ache or throb possibly even pins and needles
- Pain with repetitive activity such as manual labour and sport
- Pain with moving the arm forward or out to the side especially beyond 90 degrees
Shoulder pain is generally an imbalance of the mechanics of the shoulder. Tightness, lack of strength and or inflammation can cause chemical and mechanical receptors to fire off information registering as pain. Usually these symptoms are the result of poor work posture, bad sporting technique, acute injuries such as falls onto out steretched arms or overuse injuries. Pathology can include weakness or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendon because of bony spurs pressing into the tendon. Overuse of the tendon leading to bursae inflammation. Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder, ligament instability, labral tears or a combination of the above can lead to pain & discomfort. More violent stresses can lead to subluxations or dislocation.
The physio will test the shoulder for imbalances of strength and muscle length. Swelling and muscle spasm can be noted and managed, serious pathology is imaged to define diagnosis These imbalances are then duly managed with manual therapies and other modalities eg exercise, ultrasound & ice. Predisposing factors will be addressed to prevent recurrence.
- Pain can refer as far down to the elbow, wrist or hand.
- Pain during or after sleeping on the affected side
- Shoulder and neck tightness, leading to limited movement.
- Weakness, especially at the end of ranges
- Secondary headaches & neck stiffness
Do seek medical advice as soon as possible,
Do ice after aggravating activity if this helps you can be sure that the pain is being abated by the analgesic affect of the ice and possibly reducing swelling as well.
Do not place heat on the shoulder as this will exacerbate further swelling.
Do not play on in pain or continue to work if it is worsening, you could cause further physiological damage
- Diagnosis and explanation of your specific condition
- Management of swelling and return to full range of movement of the shoulder
- Massage / joint mobolisation
- Stretching and strengthening to prevent further weakness & recurrence
- Ice or heat & electrotherapy
- Dry needling and western acupuncture
- Xrays if necessary
- Referral for ant inflammatory medication from your GP if necessary
