Shoulder

Shoulder pain can be referred pain from the neck (see neck pain).

However, the most common shoulder problems are rotator cuff inflamed tendons. Pain is felt in the middle of the upper arm, although it is actually referred pain from the rotator cuff at the front of the shoulder.  It is often caused by overuse, posture, sports specific and repetitive movements, such as a tennis serve. Symptoms are pain and a loss of normal movement. This type of injury usually responds well to physiotherapy treatment, which would include soft-tissue release, joint mobilisation and specific shoulder exercise rehabilitation work.

Other shoulder injuries include:

AC Joint Pain – often a sports-related injury caused by a direct impact on the top of the shoulder. Physiotherapy treatment would include a combination of manual therapy, ultrasound or laser treatment, supportive taping and specific exercise therapy. In order to speed up your return to sport, it might be appropriate to refer you to our on-site sports physician for injection therapy.

Shoulder Impingement – where a swollen tendon is caught, or squeezed, as you move your arm, causing pain and loss of normal movement. It is often posture related or due to an imbalance of muscles around the shoulder. It responds well to physiotherapy treatment and specific exercise.

Shoulder Dislocation – where the ball and socket joint in the shoulder separates. This is often sport-related, such as a high impact landing on an outstretched arm. Return to sport may take 8-12 weeks. Your rehabilitation programme would include sports specific exercise and muscle re-education to help you return to full function.

Frozen Shoulder – pain, leading to loss of movement and stiffness, which can be quite disabling. The accepted time span for full recovery can take up to two years, however manual physiotherapy, self-help exercises and acupuncture can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.