Causes of Shoulder Pain and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects many people. The shoulder is a complex joint that allows a wide range of motion, but also makes it vulnerable to injury and wear and tear. Shoulder pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as reaching, lifting, driving, or sleeping. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common causes of shoulder pain and how physiotherapy can help you recover and prevent further damage.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:

There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, but some of the most frequent ones are:

Rotator cuff injuries:

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable you to lift and rotate your arm. The rotator cuff can tear partially or completely due to trauma, overuse, or degeneration. This can cause pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are more common in older people and in those who perform repetitive overhead activities, such as painters, carpenters, or athletes.

Shoulder osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joint wears away. This causes friction and inflammation in the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Shoulder osteoarthritis is more common in older people and in those who have a history of shoulder injuries or infections.

Bursitis:

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint and reduces friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis can occur due to overuse, injury, infection, or underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Bursitis can cause pain, tenderness, and reduced movement in the shoulder.

Dislocated shoulder or shoulder impingement:

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone pops out of the socket of the shoulder blade. This can happen due to a fall, a blow, or a sudden twist of the arm. A dislocated shoulder can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity of the shoulder. A shoulder impingement occurs when the head of the upper arm bone rubs against the acromion, a bony projection at the top of the shoulder blade. This can happen due to poor posture, repetitive overhead movements, or tight muscles. A shoulder impingement can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty raising the arm above the head.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis):

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes the capsule that surrounds the shoulder joint to become thickened and tight. This limits the space for the joint to move and reduces its mobility. Frozen shoulder can occur due to prolonged immobility of the shoulder, such as after an injury or surgery. It can also occur due to diabetes, thyroid disorders, or hormonal changes. Frozen shoulder can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the shoulder in any direction.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

Physiotherapy is a form of treatment that uses physical methods, such as exercises, massage, heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to improve the function and health of your body. Physiotherapy can help you manage your shoulder pain by:

Reducing pain and inflammation:

Physiotherapy can use modalities such as ice packs, heat packs, ultrasound therapy, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder. These modalities can also improve blood circulation and promote healing in the affected tissues.

Restoring range of motion and strength:

Physiotherapy can prescribe exercises that target your specific needs and goals. These exercises can help you regain your normal range of motion and strength in your shoulder joint and muscles. They can also improve your posture and alignment and prevent further injury.

Educating you on self-care:

Physiotherapy can teach you how to take care of your shoulder at home and at work. This may include advice on how to modify your activities, how to use assistive devices or braces if needed, how to perform self-massage or stretching techniques, how to apply ice or heat correctly, and how to prevent recurrence or complications.

If you have shoulder pain that affects your quality of life, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Physiotherapy can help you recover from your condition and restore your function and well-being.