Many people have experienced shoulder pain at some point. Shoulder pain occurs due to wear and tear, overuse, or any injury. This pain can be a sharp pain which can become more constant and run down the arm. Shoulder consists of several joints, tendons and muscles that enable a wide range of arm movements. Hence, any type of pain in the shoulder can deter a person from performing any basic tasks.
Physiotherapy is useful in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain. In this article we will look at the various causes of shoulder pain and how physiotherapy can help.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Certain activities and injuries can cause shoulder pain. Knowing what causes pain can help you treat it. Here are some common causes of shoulder pain.
Sudden injury
Injuries like fracture, dislocation, strained muscles, injured nerve and more can cause shoulder pain. These injuries can occur during any activity like while playing sports or due to accidents. Any accidents causing trauma to the shoulder area can lead to pain, bruising and swelling.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of arthritis which worsen with age. For many people this disease can directly impact the shoulder and cause pain.
Overuse injuries
Overuse injuries often develop overtime because of everyday activities. These activities can cause stress on the joints and surrounding tissues in the shoulder. This pain can suddenly crop up as these injuries get worse. Here are some common types of overuse injuries.
Bursitis
A bursa is a small fluid filled sack which acts as a cushion between ligaments, bone, and tendons. There are several bursa around the larger joints of the body including the shoulder. Bursitis is commonly caused due to repetitive stress or strain from activities like lifting and direct injury to the shoulder.
Tendinitis
Tendons are surrounded by sheaths that allow them to move smoothly. Overuse of shoulder tendons can cause friction in the sheaths leading to inflammation. This can result in pain and restricts the tendons from moving smoothly.
Muscle strain
Muscle strain can be caused by excessive stretching or any injury that causes stress. This can lead to pain, swelling and restricted movement of the shoulder.
Other common causes of shoulder pain can include calcium buildup, herniated disc and sitting in an awkward position for long hours.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Shoulder Pain
Ignoring any type of pain for too long can make it worse. Shoulder pain can occur due to underlying conditions and diseases which need to be diagnosed. Seeking help from medical professionals is important as they can help diagnose the condition and provide a treatment plan.
Physiotherapists can examine your condition and come up with a proper treatment plan that can help you manage pain. With physical therapy you can effectively deal with pain and improve shoulder mobility and function. It can prevent the injury from getting worse.
Here are some common physiotherapy treatments for shoulder pain.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Shoulder Pain
Hands-on therapy
Hands-on therapy is used by physiotherapists to relax the injured shoulder. This included using pressure on specific tissues to relieve strain and improve mobility.
Joint mobilization
Joint mobilization is a type of therapy done by professionals that includes stretching the joint capsule. It helps increase shoulder mobility and function.
Stretching
A physiotherapist helps patients perform stretches that improve movement and relieves pressure. These stretches target specific areas like shoulder, spine and neck depending on the injury.
Strengthening exercises
Physiotherapists will often recommend strengthening exercises to reduce pain and strengthen muscles. This can strengthen the area of the injury to help prevent any future injuries.
Ultrasound
A therapeutic ultrasound includes providing deep heating to the muscles, tendons, and other tissues. Heat can help improve circulation, heal the injury, improve elasticity, and reduce pain.
Athletic taping
Physiotherapists can use athletic taping to restrict the movement of the shoulder to prevent any further injuries.
Home exercises
Physiotherapists will recommend patients to do exercises at home that can help treat their shoulder pain. They will teach the patient to do these exercises correctly and monitor their progress.
Workplace ergonomics
Poor sitting posture can contribute to shoulder pain. A physiotherapist will educate a patient on how to maintain the correct posture while they work at a desk for long hours. This can help prevent further injuries.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain it is important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis. Moreover, physiotherapy treatments are a great way to deal with shoulder injuries which can alleviate pain and improve shoulder mobility and function.
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