Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff tears often cause reduce range of movement, aching pain and loss of strength. This may be a result of an acute injury, or degenerative tears from chronic overload and age related changes. Exercises are important in the recovery of rotator cuff injuries and regaining normal function. Rotator cuff tears are common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic populations, but if you are having ongoing pain and difficulty with function that is not improving with time and exercise your GP may refer for imaging to more fully ascertain the extent of your injury. Complete tears of the rotator cuff sometimes require surgery.
Bursitis
The bursa is a small pocket of fluid within the shoulder joint that cushions the movement of the tendons in the shoulder. This can become painful and inflamed after a shoulder injury, resulting in aching, sleep disruption and reduced movement.
Tendinopathy
Is an overuse/overload injury resulting in microscopic changes in the tendon. This condition often arises from a rapid increase in activity, or repetitive stressful activities above chest height or with lots of lifting. This can result in aching pain at rest and with movement, sleep disruption and reduced range of movement.
Shoulder Dislocations or Instability (Labral Tears)
Dislocation often results from a traumatic injury sustained during sports, falls or car accidents. It can also occur when there is a large force applied to the shoulder when you are in a vulnerable position. Dislocations may also result in labral tears (the lining of the socket side of the joint) which can cause instability (lack of control and repeated dislocations). Following a dislocation, the rotator cuff functions ineffectively and as a result you usually have poor range of motion and pain. Extensive strengthening will be recommended to ensure there is not a recurrence of dislocations or even further worsening of instability.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterised by a loss of range of motion in all directions, and may occur after surgery/injury or without any predisposing incident. Inflammation of the ligaments and capsular lining in the shoulder joint causes stiffening, pain and restriction. Women aged 40-60yrs old tend to be more likely to develop frozen shoulder, as well as those with diabetes, autoimmune or thyroid conditions.
Stage 1 is the most painful stage and results in a rapid decline in range of motion and initial range reduction. Physiotherapy during this stage aims to decrease pain, maintain as much range as able and prevent secondary aggravation of surrounding structures.
Stage 2 is often not painful in the shoulder and has a firm restriction to your range of motion. During this phase physiotherapy is less frequent and aims to keep structures surrounding the shoulder moving effectively.
Stage 3 is where the shoulder begins to free and range starts to return. During this stage physiotherapy is important to ensure you regain full range of motion and extensive strengthening is prescribed.
Contact Free Movement Physio to book an appointment for a one on one consultation to discuss your shoulder concerns.
