Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or bursitis. Physiotherapy is an effective approach to treat shoulder pain, which includes exercise programs, manual therapy, and education on proper posture and movement.
Next to back pain, shoulder pain is one of the most common things that we treat. The shoulder is a common site of problem due to the two joints in one area, the extreme mobility present and the narrow passageways through which some key structures run. Another important factor affecting the incidence of shoulder pain is posture. Posture is a tough thing to keep functioning at a high level, especially with life and sometimes desk work being out in front of us, causing us to reach and roll forwards through our shoulders to accomplish tasks.
One of the most common reasons for shoulder pain is called Impingement Syndrome which involves the compression of two major tendons and a bursa in the bony archway through the shoulder. Impingement Syndrome can also be referred to as Rotator Cuff or Longhead of Biceps Tendonitis or Bursitis of the bursa in this area, as the impingement affects either or both of the tendons and bursa. The three things that cause a further narrowing of space in this area are bringing the arm over shoulder height, rotating it inward or rolling it forward in the posture of the shoulder. Generally, in order to correct this problem, posture, strength and tension will have to be addressed. This is because overheard internally rotated positions can’t always be limited long term, particularly in some sports.
Other common injuries causing shoulder pain include pinched nerves from the neck, AC joint injuries, shoulder instability, rotator cuff injuries other than those of impingement, muscle strains, ligament sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, labral tears, and postural dysfunction.
Your Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist can provide a complete assessment of your shoulder and surrounding joints to determine the nature and causes of your pain or concern. They can provide manual therapy to address any tensions in the joints or soft tissues that are restricting normal mechanics or posture. They can provide you with a specific, individual exercise program that addresses any imbalances in strength or tension that you may have. They can also help you correct or improve posture and stability around the shoulder through exercise and education.
Registered Massage Therapy can be of value in almost all cases of shoulder pain as your Massage Therapist can provide relief from pain, improve lymphatic drainage and loosen tight structures and adhesions that may be limiting you.
As with all injuries, this information is simply a guide, and it is always best to check in with a Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist to have a personalized assessment and hear recommendations for what you and your body may specifically need.
Inertia Physio+ offers Kanata and Stittsville exceptional Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy with private treatment rooms, one on one care, a maximum of two patients per hour and treatment focused on the evidence based practices of manual and exercise therapy. Don’t suffer any longer. If you have pain or injury, our Kanata and Stittsville Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy and Registered Massage Therapy team is here to help you get back to life pain free life and activities. Please reach out to us at (613) 672-2200 or info@inertiaphysio.ca for an appointment today! You are also welcome to book online. We also offer direct billing on Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy services whenever your plan allows.
