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Shoulder Pain Treatment and Physiotherapy

Shoulder pain can make even simple tasks difficult. Reaching for an item on a high shelf, combing your hair, or putting on a jacket can become frustratingly painful. Individuals who frequently engage in repetitive arm movements, overhead activities, or heavy lifting are at higher risk of developing shoulder pain. Athletes, office workers, and individuals with poor posture often experience this discomfort.

Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to more serious conditions, including chronic pain, stiffness, or even a loss of mobility. Untreated shoulder pain can worsen over time and limit daily activities, affecting your overall quality of life. Early intervention is key. Physiotherapy can help restore function and ease discomfort, enabling you to return to your regular routine.

What is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain refers to any kind of discomfort in or around the shoulder joint. To understand shoulder pain better, let’s look at the shoulder’s anatomy.

The human shoulder comprises three main bones:

  • Humerus: Upper arm bone
  • Scapula: Shoulder blade
  • Clavicle: Collarbone

The top of the humerus fits into a rounded socket in the scapula called the glenoid. Surrounding this joint is the rotator cuff—a group of four tendons and muscles that keep the humerus centred in the shoulder socket. These structures allow a wide range of motion in the shoulder. Swelling, damage, or bone changes around the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain is common and can significantly impact daily activities, from lifting objects to simply reaching forward. Shoulder pain physiotherapy and treatment aim to identify the root cause and restore optimal shoulder function.

A girl has pain on her shoulder

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain often stems from various issues, which can generally be divided into four major categories. These include conditions that result from overuse, injury, or degeneration of shoulder structures, requiring treatment. Below is an overview of the primary causes:

  • Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear
  • Instability: – Dislocated or separated shoulder
  • Arthritis: – Inflammation of one or more joints, causing stiffness and pain that gets worse with age
  • Fracture: – Such as fractured collarbone, shoulder blade or arm
a doctor examining a patient

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and soft tissues—become inflamed. This inflammation is commonly caused by repetitive shoulder movements or prolonged pressure on the joint. Subacromial bursitis is a typical form of this condition, leading to pain and reduced range of motion.

Bursitis

Tendinitis

Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons, often in the rotator cuff. It can be acute, arising from activities like throwing or swimming, or chronic, developing over time due to degenerative conditions like arthritis.

Shoulder pain treatment and physiotherapy can significantly alleviate the discomfort caused by this condition.

Tendinitis

Signs and Symptoms of
Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain symptoms can start out mild but gradually build over several weeks or you might experience sudden, sharp pains. If you are experiencing these symptoms, do consult your doctor immediately.

  • warmth or redness around your shoulder,
  • neck pain, arm pain, or back pain,
  • a clicking, popping or grinding feeling when you move your arm,
  • muscle stiffness and weakness, and/or
  • limited range of motion.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Achieve Shoulder Pain Relief Through Physiotherapy

Shoulder pain can significantly limit your mobility and interfere with everyday activities, but physiotherapy offers an effective path to recovery.

Why Seek Early Treatment for Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can significantly limit your mobility and interfere with everyday activities, but early physiotherapy intervention prevents further damage and promotes quicker recovery. Delayed treatment can lead to complications such as chronic pain, stiffness, or secondary injuries from compensating movements. Shoulder pain physiotherapy focuses on identifying the root cause, alleviating discomfort, and restoring function.

Manual Therapy

This includes techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release to help reduce stiffness, improve shoulder mobility, and alleviate pain.

Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises

These exercises aim to gradually improve flexibility and restore the shoulder’s range of motion, reducing tightness and stiffness in the muscles.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat therapy is often used to relax muscles and enhance blood flow, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief. These methods can be complementary approaches in a broader rehabilitation programme.

The Benefits of Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy Treatment

Shoulder pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your daily routine, limit your mobility, and impact your quality of life. With physiotherapy, you can regain strength, restore movement, and prevent further injury.

Restores Mobility and Flexibility

Whether you’re struggling with stiffness or restricted movement, stretching and mobility exercises can help you regain full shoulder function.

Addresses the Root Cause of Pain

Physiotherapy identifies and treats the underlying cause. Through a thorough assessment, your physiotherapist will pinpoint the exact issues, ensuring you receive a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Prevents Future Injuries

Physiotherapy not only helps with immediate recovery but also equips you with the knowledge and exercises needed to prevent future injuries, through posture enhancement, strength building, and proper movement mechanics.

Exercises to Help Ease Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can limit your daily activities and cause significant discomfort, but certain exercises can help alleviate this pain and improve your shoulder’s strength and flexibility.

Pendulum Stretch:

Lean forward with your affected arm hanging down, and swing it in small circles.

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch:

Extend one arm across your body and use the opposite hand to pull it slightly towards your chest. Hold the position for 20-30 seconds, then switch arms.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze:

Sit or stand with your arms at your sides, and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, holding for a few seconds before releasing.

Ways to Manage Shoulder Pain at Home

Shoulder pain can make even the simplest tasks feel challenging, but with the right care, you can manage discomfort and promote healing.

Gradual Strengthening Exercises

Once the acute pain has subsided, focus on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder. You may try strengthening exercises like resistance band movements or light dumbbell lifts.

Lifestyle Changes

Small changes in your daily routine can prevent aggravating shoulder pain. For instance, enhancing your workstation ergonomics and avoiding carrying heavy bags on one shoulder.

Maintain Good Posture

Make a conscious effort to maintain good posture throughout the day, whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing. Keep your shoulders back and avoid slouching to reduce strain on the joint.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How do I get my shoulder to stop hurting?

    There are different ways to relieve shoulder pain. You can take pain medications or apply cold compresses. But before your pain progresses, you are advised to visit a physiotherapist for a shoulder rehab to get your pain treated professionally. Book an appointment today.

  • What is the most common cause of shoulder pain?

    The most common cause is when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed or when the bursa gets inflamed. Learn more about the massage therapy options we offer. 

  • What are the signs of arthritis in the shoulders?

    • Sharp pains in the shoulder joint
    • Stiffness of the shoulder joints
    • Grinding, clicking or cracking can be felt in the shoulder
  • What is the best anti-inflammatory medicine for shoulder pain?

    Ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly recommended by doctors. For more advice and insights, consider exploring our blog.

  • What does a torn ligament in the shoulder feel like?

    You may feel a snapping sensation and immediate pain and weakness in your upper arm.

  • Why Is Physiotherapy Important after Shoulder Surgery?

    Physiotherapy plays a vital role in post-surgical recovery by restoring shoulder function, reducing pain and stiffness, and preventing complications such as frozen shoulder. A customised physiotherapy programme promotes healing and ensures long-term success. Learn more about our approach to physiotherapy.

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