Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy
Shoulder pain can be a common but significant issue that negatively impacts an individual’s quality of life. The shoulder joint is highly complex structure that makes us capable of a wide range of motion, enabling us to perform various activities, such as throwing, lifting, and reaching. However, this flexibility can also make the shoulder susceptible to injury, discomfort, and pain and therefore, having a physiotherapist would help you to restore, regain and recover from any pain or injury!
Shoulder pain can stem from various factors including our lifestyle, including rotator cuff injuries, sports, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, and arthritis, among others. The severity of pain can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by symptoms such as stiffness, weakness, or limited mobility or range of motion.
Shoulder pain can hinder daily activities like sleeping, dressing, and carrying objects, causing frustration and debilitation. Shoulder pain can also restrict athletes or sports players to play on field or may impact their athletic performance. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis, our experienced team of physiotherapists and physiotherapy treatment, patients can experience relief from shoulder pain and regain their range of motion, enabling them to resume their daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
Scapula (Shoulder Blade)
Humerus (Arm Bone)
Clavicle (Collarbone)
Anatomy of Shoulder
The shoulder joint is a marvel of complexity and mobility, thanks to its glenohumeral joint, where the upper limb connects to the axial skeleton through the shoulder girdle. However, the shoulder’s great range of motion comes with a trade-off: it’s less stable and more prone to injury and dislocation. Understating the shoulder structure can provide a lot of insights on how the shoulder joints work and how can they be treated with the right exercises.
The shoulder girdle consists of the clavicle and scapula, which articulate with the proximal humerus of the upper limb. The shoulder has four joints: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic, and glenohumeral. The sternoclavicular joint connects the clavicle to the sternum’s manubrium, supported by the costoclavicular ligament.
The acromioclavicular joint links the acromion of the scapula to the clavicle and relies on the coracoclavicular ligament for stability. The scapulothoracic joint isn’t a true joint, but a sliding articulation of the scapula over the thoracic cavity.
Our physiotherapists at ProHealth Physiotherapy Oshawa take great pride in educating our patients so they are aware of what treatment options are effective for them and why.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from minor injuries to serious, sports injuries, overuse injuries or specific medical conditions. The signs and symptoms of shoulder pain may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition for each patient.
Some common signs and symptoms of shoulder pain include:
- Pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint
- Swelling or inflammation around the shoulder joint
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Tingling or numbness in the shoulder or arm
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as reaching or lifting
- Pain that worsens at night or with certain movements
- Grinding or popping sounds in the shoulder joint
- Shoulder joint instability or dislocation
- Muscle spasms in the neck or shoulder area
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, contact our physiotherapists today!
Shoulder Pain Injuries
Athletes are prone to shoulder injuries that can happen in various sports activities. Below are some of the most frequent sports injuries that can cause shoulder pain:
This injury is prevalent among tennis players, cricketers, badminton players, baseball pitchers, and swimmers. Rotator cuff is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tendons in our shoulder and rotator cuff injury occurs when one or more tendons that connect the rotator cuff muscles to the shoulder bone tear. This injury may result from repetitive overhead motions, sudden trauma, or aging. Symptoms may include pain, limited range of motion, and weakness but not limited to, read more about this condition in our detailed blog on rotator cuff injuries.
Professional athletes and players who engage in sports involving overhead movements, such as tennis, volleyball, and baseball, are susceptible to this condition. Shoulder impingement happens when the tendons and bursae in the shoulder get compressed between the bones of the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and inflammation. Symptoms may include pain in the front or side of the shoulder, weakness in the shoulder, and pain when lifting the arm overhead. Read more about shoulder impingement syndrome on our detailed blog.
Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior is commonly known as SLAP tear. SLAP tear or injury is common among tennis players and baseball pitchers who perform repetitive overhead motions that overuses the shoulder joints. It occurs when the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint, tears. Symptoms may include pain, instability, clicking or popping in the shoulder, but consult with one of our experienced sports physiotherapists in Waterloo to learn more about this condition and get a personalized treatment plan.
Shoulder dislocation injury is prevalent in contact sports such as wrestling, cricket, football, and rugby. Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone is forcibly removed, or it automatically pops-out because of impact from the shoulder socket. Since shoulder joints are the most flexible providing us the best range of motion, they are also more prone to dislocation from any other joint. Symptoms may include mild to severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm and even difficulties performing everyday activities.
This condition is common among baseball pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players who perform repetitive overhead motions. It happens when the biceps tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, causing pain and weakness in the shoulder. Symptoms include stiffness, weakness, and pain in the front of the shoulder.
Athletes who have undergone shoulder surgery or have previously experienced a shoulder injury that immobilized the shoulder joint are susceptible to this condition. It happens when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become thick and stiff, leading to limited range of motion and pain. Symptoms include difficulty moving the arm, stiffness, weakness, and pain in the shoulder.
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Diagnosis of Neck Pain
When investigating the cause of your shoulder pain, your physiotherapist will begin with a physical examination to assess your shoulder’s structural integrity. Your physiotherapist would also rule out any potential spine or neck involvement discomfort you may be experiencing. They will then evaluate your range of motion by requesting that you move your arms in various directions – above your head, across your body, or behind you – and rotate them 90 or 180 degrees to determine the severity of shoulder pain.
Additionally, your physiotherapist may suggest one or more imaging tests to investigate the affected area further.
X-rays can detect bone spurs, arthritis, and other bone-related causes of your shoulder pain.
An arthrogram may also be recommended depending on our condition, which involves injecting dye into the joint to enhance the details in the X-ray image.
MRI scans use radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce detailed images of your shoulder.
CT scans provide a more comprehensive view by capturing X-rays from multiple angles. Electromyography (EMG) can be used to identify nerve issues by measuring the electrical activity in your muscles.
In certain instances, your physiotherapist may recommend arthroscopy, which is a surgical procedure that employs a tiny fiber-optic camera to capture high-definition images of your shoulder. Depending on the severity of the shoulder pain, this technique may also be used to address the problem.
Shoulder Pain Relief Treatment
For those experiencing mild shoulder pain due to injury or overuse, self-care measures coupled with physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy are proven to be effective treatments. Our physiotherapy professionals at ProHealth Physiotherapy Oshawa have state-of-the-art advanced laser therapy and shockwave therapy machines to provide our patients the best possible care and recovery journey.
Typically, physiotherapy and at-home exercises provided to you by our experienced physiotherapists can treat most cases of shoulder pain. Contact our team of physiotherapists, chiropractor and massage therapist today to get a thorough assessment and a personalized shoulder pain relief treatment plan.
Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, physiotherapy could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Our experienced and skilled physiotherapists at ProHealth Physiotherapy Oshawa can provide a range of exercises and treatments to help relieve your shoulder pain and improve your range of motion which may include shockwave therapy, manual therapy, laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy.
Physiotherapy can be particularly effective for shoulder pain caused by overuse, injury, or conditions such as frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tendinitis. Whether you are a professional athlete or you have injured your shoulder, our skilled physiotherapists will start by assessing your shoulder to identify the root cause of your pain.
From a thorough assessment, they can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and posture. The shoulder pain physiotherapy relief treatment plan would also include education and at-home exercises that you can do to manage the pain while it’s gone. They may also use modalities such as shockwave therapy or laser therapy to help relieve your shoulder pain.
Chiropractic Adjustment for Shoulder Pain Relief
Our chiropractors are experienced and employ a range of techniques, including chiropractic adjustments, to provide relief from shoulder pain.
Chiropractic adjustments involve manipulating the joints in the shoulder and neck to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. Our chiropractors also use soft tissue techniques, like massage and trigger point therapy, to ease tension and promote circulation in the affected areas.
Additionally, our chiropractors may recommend targeted exercises, such as stretching, resistance training, and range of motion exercises, to strengthen the shoulder muscles and enhance posture. By collaborating with our chiropractors, patients can experience decreased shoulder pain, increased mobility, and improved overall function that can make your life more enjoyable.
If you’re searching for chiropractic care for shoulder pain relief in Oshawa, our ProHealth Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation team is here to offer assistance.
Massage Therapy for Shoulder Pain Relief
Massage therapy can be an effective and viable way to alleviate shoulder pain and restore mobility. At ProHealth Oshawa Physiotherapy, our experienced massage therapists use a variety of techniques to address shoulder pain, including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Massage therapy can also be couple and taken simultaneously as physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
During a massage therapy session, our massage therapists will work to identify the source of your shoulder pain and tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Massage therapists would also communicate with physiotherapist to ensure that their therapies complement each other. They may use various techniques to reduce muscle tension and increase circulation in the affected area, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
In addition to the magical hands-on techniques, our massage therapists may also provide exercises and stretches to help you maintain the benefits of the treatment and prevent future shoulder pain. They may also recommend other complementary therapies, such as heat or cold therapy, to enhance the effects of the massage.
Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy in Oshawa
For those experiencing mild shoulder pain due to injury or overuse, self-care measures coupled with physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy are proven to be effective treatments. Our physiotherapy professionals at ProHealth Oshawa Physiotherapy and Rehab Oshawa have state-of-the-art advanced laser therapy and shockwave therapy machines to provide our patients the best possible care and recovery journey.
Typically, physiotherapy and at-home exercises provided to you by our experienced physiotherapists can treat most cases of shoulder pain. Contact our team of physiotherapists, chiropractor and massage therapist today to get a thorough assessment and a personalized shoulder pain relief treatment plan.