Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain
Our shoulders are essential to our mobility. Rather we are scratching our back or reaching for something behind us in the car or bowling a perfect over your shoulder we need our shoulders to allow for wide range of motions.
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone). The shoulder has a small joint contact zone and therefore the muscles around the shoulder are vital to the health and functioning of your shoulder. These muscles include:
- Deltoids
- Rhomboid
- Trapezius
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Infraspinatus
- Supraspinatus
- Teres
The most common reasons these muscles become weakened or shoulder pain persist are:
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Tendon inflammation
- Shoulder dislocation
Research has shown that physiotherapy is generally an effective shoulder pain management. There are two types of treatment options: non-operative or surgical approaches. A physiotherapist will determine which treatment is best for you based on your diagnosis. Here are some of the most common shoulder injury treatments:
- Early Injury: Do not take shoulder pain lightly. Injuries that are left untreated frequently result in muscle weakness and joint stiffness. If you have injured your shoulder or there is discomfort then immediately practice RICE: Rest, Ice (or heat), Compression and Elevation. If the symptoms do not improve within a few days then seek medical attention from your GP, physio or osteopath.
- Shoulder strength and stretching exercises: Your shoulder is naturally unstable so that it can have a wider range of motion, therefore strength and coordination are essential to a healthy recovery. Your physiotherapist will design you a program based on your specific injury or discomfort to strengthen weaker areas.
- Biomechanical analysis: Physiotherapist will analyse your shoulders bio mechanics to find flaws that result in jury or a slow recovery. This includes analyzing your gait, running, sprinting, etc., and analyzing your workplace environment.
- Soft tissue massage: Your chiropractor will target your muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue and use a variety of massaging depths, pressures and time to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Brace or support: Your physio might recommend that you wear a brace or a sling to relieve pain, rest injured tissues, protect the shoulder from injury and allow for tissue healing around the shoulder.
- Kinesiology taping: Similar to a brace or sling support, your physiotherapist might recommend kinseio taping. The tape is thin, stretchy and therapeutic and is commonly used for injuries and inflammation. The tape does not restrict movement but still provides support, protection.
- Physiotherapy instrument mobilization: Physiotherapist could use this instrument for joint manipulation around the shoulder. The instrument more effectively replicates manipulative techniques that manual methods.
Whether you are suffering from a sports-related injury, arthritis, decreasing mobility and stability, a fracture or tendon tears, a physiotherapist can aid your shoulders recovery with either a surgical option or a through strategic treatment techniques that encourage a steady recovery. Do not brush shoulder pain off. Treating it as soon as possible will mean faster healing.