Shoulder Pain
What might be the source of my shoulder pain?
It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, like a physiotherapist, if your shoulder pain is impacting daily activities or persists despite rest or self-care efforts. They can assist in identifying the root cause of your shoulder pain and suggest suitable treatment options.
In younger individuals, common causes of shoulder pain include instability or rotator cuff tears resulting from dislocation or traumatic injuries.
During middle age, pain often stems from the rotator cuff tendons due to strenuous or suddenly increased repetitive activities. Pain may also follow trauma, such as a fall, or occur inexplicably. Typically, pain is felt when moving the arm sideways and may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness.
Another prevalent cause is “Frozen Shoulder,” characterised by significant pain, especially at night, and a gradual reduction in shoulder movement.
In later years, arthritis can contribute to dull pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
In most cases, shoulder pain is not alarming. However, seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden arm weakness or numbness. These signs may indicate a more serious condition.
How Can We Assist
Physiotherapy, including exercise plans and “hands-on” treatments, proves effective in shoulder injury rehabilitation. Successful recovery requires time, typically involving 3-6 months of continuous exercises targeting range of motion and strength, based on the initial assessment findings.
“Hands-on” treatments that may aid in reducing tension and improving movement include:
- Acupuncture
- Soft-tissue massage
- Joint mobilisations
Shockwave therapy, involving high-energy sound waves, is particularly effective for rotator cuff problems.
If prior physiotherapy doesn’t alleviate the pain, additional interventions may include:
- Steroid/Ostenil injection for pain relief, recommended under ultrasound guidance.
- Shoulder Ultrasound Scan as a diagnostic tool to assess inflammation, tears, or structural abnormalities contributing to shoulder pain. It can also guide injections.
It’s essential to note that ultrasound may not be universally suitable for all shoulder pain cases. Depending on the specific cause, alternative imaging modalities such as X-rays or MRI scans may be more effective. Your physiotherapist can guide you on the appropriateness of ultrasound for your injury.