Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy For Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common issue that can make everyday tasks like reaching, lifting, or even sleeping difficult. With its wide range of motion, the shoulder is prone to injuries and overuse. Whether your pain is from a sports injury, poor posture, or wear-and-tear, addressing it early can help prevent long-term problems.
Physiotherapy can help identify the cause of your shoulder pain and improve strength, mobility, and function so you can move comfortably again.
Sub-Conditions
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild strains or tendinitis to partial or full-thickness tears. These injuries often occur due to repetitive overhead activities, sudden trauma, or degenerative changes with age. They are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, especially in athletes, laborers, and older adults.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in cases of rotator cuff tendinitis or strain.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Releases trigger points and reduces muscle tension that contributes to pain and dysfunction.
- Education: Teaching proper lifting and overhead mechanics to reduce stress on the rotator cuff during daily activities or sports.
- Progressive Strengthening: Exercises to restore shoulder stability, improve function, and prevent re-injury.
- Prevention Strategies: For individuals at risk of repetitive strain, we provide exercise programs to build strength and avoid future issues.
Shoulder Impingement
What It Is
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched or irritated as they pass through the space between the shoulder blade and arm bone. It often results from repetitive overhead motions, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. Symptoms include pain with lifting or reaching overhead, weakness, and reduced range of motion.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Postural Correction: Improving shoulder alignment to create more space in the joint.
- Manual Therapy: Releasing tight muscles and improving joint mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Focusing on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff muscles.
- Education: Teaching proper movement patterns to avoid impingement.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Helps reduce muscle tension and improve movement patterns.
ACJ sprains
What It Is
An AC joint sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting the clavicle (collarbone) to the acromion (shoulder blade) are stretched or torn, often due to a fall or direct impact. This injury is common in contact sports or accidents and can cause localized pain, swelling, and difficulty lifting the arm.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Pain Management: Using ice and manual therapy to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Gradual Strengthening: Building strength in the shoulder and surrounding muscles.
- Joint Stability Work: Exercises to improve stability and support for the AC joint.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Helps manage pain and release tension in surrounding muscles.
- Activity Guidance: Advice on returning to sports or work safely.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
What It Is
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition marked by stiffness, pain, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. It develops gradually over time and is more common in individuals with diabetes or those who have had prolonged shoulder immobilization. Frozen shoulder progresses through three phases:
- Freezing Phase: Increasing pain and gradual loss of movement.
- Frozen Phase: Stiffness persists, limiting mobility, though pain may decrease.
- Thawing Phase: Movement begins to return, and function improves.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Manual Therapy: Gentle techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Stretching Programs: Focused on restoring range of motion as the shoulder progresses through each phase.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building shoulder and upper back strength to support recovery.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Helps release tight shoulder muscles and improve movement patterns.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Aiding in pain relief and reducing inflammation in stubborn cases.
- Education: Teaching strategies to maintain mobility and manage symptoms throughout the recovery process.
Shoulder Dislocations and Instability
What It Is
A shoulder dislocation happens when the head of the arm bone moves out of its socket, usually due to trauma or a sports injury. Repeated dislocations can lead to ongoing shoulder instability, making the joint feel loose or prone to slipping. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and discomfort with certain movements.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Joint Stabilization Exercises: Strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to improve shoulder stability.
- Manual Therapy: Helping restore normal joint movement and reduce pain.
- Functional Training: Improving shoulder control for daily tasks, work, or sports.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Reducing muscle tension and addressing compensatory patterns.
- Education: Teaching safe movement strategies to lower the risk of reinjury.
Labral Tears (SLAP or Bankart Lesions)
What It Is
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, providing stability. Labral tears can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, or overuse. Common types include SLAP tears (superior labrum) and Bankart lesions (anterior labrum). Symptoms include deep shoulder pain, clicking or catching, and instability.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles to support the joint and improve stability.
- Manual Therapy: Improving joint mobility and reducing compensatory movement patterns.
- Postural Training: Addressing imbalances to minimize stress on the labrum.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Reducing muscle tightness and improving movement patterns.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Safely progressing back to sports, work, or functional tasks.
Biceps Tendonitis
What It Is
Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder. It is often caused by overuse, repetitive lifting, or poor mechanics. Symptoms include pain at the front of the shoulder, tenderness, and discomfort with overhead activities.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Manual Therapy: Relieving tension and improving shoulder mobility.
- Stretching and Strengthening: Correcting imbalances in the shoulder and arm to support recovery.
- Activity Modifications: Reducing strain on the tendon during daily tasks or sports.
- Postural Training: Improving alignment to prevent further irritation.
- Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Releasing tension in the biceps and shoulder muscles to reduce discomfort and improve function.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Helping reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in persistent cases.
Get shoulder pain treatment now!