The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible joints in the body which has several joints and muscles making it a complex joint but it also provides a great deal of flexibility. Along with the joints and muscles, the joint also contains cartilage & bursa which provide cushioning and a rotator cuff which is a blend of tendons providing tremendous stability. Even with slightest dysfunction there maybe pain leading to difficulty in movement, hindering daily activities. It is seen in individuals playing sports, the seniors and in population performing manual labour
The shoulder can become painful due to various reasons, the most common of which are:
- Degeneration which may include impingement or pinched nerve, frozen shoulders, bony spurs.
- Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive use injuries, incorrect sustained postures, trauma.
- Fractures & dislocations
- Radiating pain due to dysfunction in the neck.
- Shoulder pain may also be due to reasons other than that from shoulder which is known as referred pain such as a heart attack and issues with gallbladder.
Shoulder pain often presents with difficulty in movement, inflammation signs such as redness, heat & swelling and sometimes with radiating sensation when the neck is involved.
The treatment for shoulder pain involves medications and usually physiotherapy to achieve faster healing and improve mobility.
A physiotherapist takes various steps to ascertain the correct diagnosis which begins with a thorough history, observation, performing a detailed examination & few tests. Once the diagnosis is made, a client tailored plan of treatment is created to ensure customised treatment for each individual so as to achieve quick recovery and client-centric goals.
If you have any shoulder pain, contact us to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists today!
