Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, as we use our shoulders to help perform most of our daily activities.  The shoulder joint is a very mobile joint with a wide range of movement allowing us to perform activities above and below head height.  This wide range of movement however, occurs at the expense of shoulder stability and the joint is therefore more prone to injury.

Common shoulder conditions include:

Acromioclavicular joint pain – is a painful joint at the tip of the shoulder where the collar bone and shoulder blade join.  Pain in this joint can occur through injury, through repetitive strain or through ‘wear and tear’ changes.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – is the painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule (the tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint).  The shoulder can often become so stiff and painful that it limits your ability to use your arm in everyday activities.

Rotator Cuff tendinopathy or tear – is a condition where one of the four stabilising muscles of the shoulder is injured through trauma or through repetitive movement of the shoulder.  Poor posture and poor muscle strength can also predispose to this condition.

Referred Shoulder Pain – pain is experienced in an area away from the actual injury point e.g. pain in the shoulder is usually referred from the neck or upper back.

Osteoarthritis – progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint leading to the two bones of the joint rubbing together to cause pain.  Patients who have had previous trauma or shoulder surgery are most likely to develop arthritis in later life. 

Shoulder Instability – can occur due to traumatic dislocation of the shoulder joint or by repeated shoulder movements which gradually stretch out the soft tissue covering around the joint causing the surrounding muscles to weaken.

Shoulder problems are often complex and can take time to resolve.  Your osteopath will work with you to try and understand the cause of your shoulder pain and will be able to provide either osteopathic treatment or guidance as to whether your condition warrants further investigation.

Depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis your osteopath will use a wide range of techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility in both the shoulder and in surrounding joints.  Strengthening and/or stretching exercises will also be provided where appropriate.  Osteopathic treatment can be very successful in reducing shoulder stiffness, reducing pain and can help in a faster return to normal activity.