Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common complaint which can impact seriously on your lifestyle. It can vary from a constant ache to a sharp pain on movement. It may be uncomfortable to lie on your side at night. There may be pain when you lift or carry items, when you try to put you coat on, or even the task of washing and combing your hair may prove difficult. Your shoulder may ache after repetitive movements, e.g. ironing or hammering.
The shoulder is a complex joint which relies heavily on muscles to provide stability whilst it can move through a huge range of movement. There are many structures in the shoulder which can cause pain or the pain can come from other regions of the body related to the shoulder. Sometimes shoulder pain can be referred from organs such as the heart or gall bladder so it is important to have shoulder pain investigated.
Common disorders include arthritis, tears of the muscles and tendons, painful arc syndrome and ‘frozen’ shoulder.
Pain in the shoulder and arm is often prone to misinterpretation. It is important to work out if the pain is from the shoulder or coming from the neck, thorax or abdomen.
True shoulder pain is localised around these joints and rarely extends below the elbow. Pain down the whole arm into the hand, sometimes with “pins and needles”, indicates a problem in the neck.
At the clinic we are fully qualified to identify what is causing the problems and give you an explanation. You will receive hands-on treatment using soft tissue techniques, massage, stretching, movement and manipulation. Advice will be given about posture and exercises advised when necessary.
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