Shoulder Pain, Symptoms and Treatment
As one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body, not only does the shoulder play an important role in giving our arms a full range of movement but it is also prone to injuries that require shoulder pain treatment physiotherapy. Before we look at shoulder pain treatment, however, it is important to understand the physiology of the shoulder and what the major causes of shoulder pain and injuries are.
The shoulder is comprised of three bones: the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The head of the humerus is connected to the shoulder blade where it fits into a rounded socket called the glenoid. Various muscles and tendons known collectively as the rotator cuff cover the head of the humerus and keep it in position in the glenoid while also allowing for a range of movements to be performed. The complexity of the shoulder makes it prone to a variety of injuries ranging from rotator cuff tears to frozen shoulders.
What are the causes of shoulder injuries?
The muscles and tendons in the shoulder can become worn or injured to the point that shoulder pain treatment and physical therapy are required to relieve the pain and restore the normal range of motion. The following are some of the most common causes of shoulder injuries and pain.
- Age: The risk of soft tissue lesions increases with age, especially in joints which are subjected to repetitive use, such as the shoulder.
- Job: Any profession which requires constant rotation and overhead movement of the shoulder places the worker at risk of shoulder injuries, with painters, joiners and surgical doctors all considered high-risk professions.
- Contact sports: Any sports that involves contact, such as rugby, football (soccer), and American football, place the bone and muscles of the shoulder at risk of being hit hard enough to cause shoulder injury and pain.
- Non-contact sports: Sports that involve overhead motions, such as throwing, hitting or lifting an object overhead, are also causes of shoulder pain. This includes sports such as tennis, badminton, volleyball and golf.
- Heavy lifting: Weight lifting as well as carrying or moving heavy objects in daily activities are also common causes of shoulder pain.
- Falls: Whether while playing sport or in daily life, falling is a frequent cause of shoulder injury and pain, especially when the arm is extended to brace for the impact of the fall.
- Sudden jolts: When there is a strong and sudden jolt or tug on the arm, it can also cause shoulder injury and pain. One common sporting activity where this occurs is in rowing.
What are the symptoms of shoulder injuries?
Shoulder pain treatment including shoulder pain physiotherapy is required when there is inflammation (as a reaction to an injury), damage to the muscles or tendons, tension around the neck and shoulder, or damage to the bones and cartilage. This pain may be felt either in the shoulder or from the neck. In some cases, injuries or issues in other parts of the body can be the source of pain, which then radiates to the shoulder. Apart from pain, other symptoms of a shoulder injury include stiffness, weakness and restricted movement.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Prevention is always better than cure so strengthening the arm, neck and shoulder muscles, and using good body mechanics, can keep the shoulder strong and better able to resist injury. However, if you do experience shoulder pain, a visit to Bangkok Physiotherapy Centre’s dedicated shoulder center in Bangkok will ensure you receive professional treatment and physiotherapy, including our specialist frozen shoulder treatment. Receiving professional treatment or shoulder pain treatment by a physio for your shoulder injury is imperative as it will ensure you have the proper treatment for shoulder pain and will give you the best chance of recovering quickly and completely.
Shoulder Pain FAQs
Shoulder injuries can be caused through many different activites and sports. Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder impingement, arthritis, and shoulder muscle strain.
Determining the type of shoulder pain requires a proper medical evaluation. A healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic doctor or physiotherapist, can assess your symptoms, conduct physical tests, and may use x ray or MRI scan to diagnosis the specific condition accurately.
Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to worsening of the underlying condition, potential loss of function, and increased risk of chronic issues. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes significantly.
Heart-related shoulder pain is often accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and radiating pain down the left arm. If you experience these symptoms with shoulder pain, seek immediate medical attention to rule out heart-related issues.
Yes, physiotherapy is effective in reducing shoulder pain. Physiotherapist use various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, and modalities, to alleviate pain, improve shoulder function, and promote healing, resulting in significant pain relief and functional improvement.
For shoulder pain, you can undergo physiotherapy, which may include exercises to strengthen and stretch the shoulder muscles, manual therapy, heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Your physiotherapist will tailor the therapy to your specific condition and provide a comprehensive treatment plan for optimal results.
While physiotherapists can make an assessment based on their clinical expertise, they cannot provide a definitive medical diagnosis. For a precise diagnosis, a physiotherapist may work alongside an orthopedic doctor or refer you to one, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.
Rehabilitating shoulder joint pain typically involves a combination of targeted exercises, gentle stretching, and manual therapy. Gradual progression of exercises helps restore strength and mobility while protecting the injured shoulder, resulting in a well-rounded rehabilitation program for improved shoulder function and pain relief.