SHOULDER PAIN

SHOULDER PAIN, STIFFNESS OR PAIN WITH LIFTING

Shoulder pain can make simple activities such as reaching overhead, sleeping, getting dressed or lifting objects frustrating and uncomfortable.

Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and can range from a dull ache through to sharp pain and restricted movement.

Correct diagnosis is important, as shoulder pain is not always caused by the shoulder itself.

Tight muscles, trigger points, bursitis, frozen shoulder and pain referral from the neck can all create similar symptoms.

Targeted treatment can help reduce pain, improve movement and restore function.

 

FROZEN SHOULDER

Frozen shoulder commonly develops with increasing pain and progressive stiffness over time.

People often notice:

• Difficulty reaching overhead

• Pain reaching behind the back

• Trouble putting on a jacket or bra

• Pain at night or sleeping on the affected side

• Progressive loss of movement

As the shoulder capsule becomes restricted, surrounding muscles often tighten and become protective.

Treatment aims to reduce muscular tension, improve mobility and help restore movement throughout the different stages of recovery.

 

SHOULDER BURSITIS

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac designed to reduce friction around the shoulder.

When irritated or overloaded, bursitis can develop and create:

• Sharp pain lifting the arm

• Pain reaching overhead

• Pain lying on the affected side

• A painful arc of movement

• Shoulder weakness or guarding

Tight rotator cuff, chest and shoulder muscles can contribute to ongoing compression and irritation around the shoulder.

Reducing muscle tension and improving movement patterns may help decrease ongoing stress through the area.

 

SHOULDER PAIN CAUSED BY THE NECK

Many shoulder symptoms do not actually begin in the shoulder.

Trigger points and irritated structures in the neck commonly refer pain into the shoulder blade, side of the shoulder or down the arm.

Signs the neck may be contributing include:

• Shoulder pain with little movement restriction

• Pain spreading into the arm

• Neck stiffness

• Headaches

• Tingling or burning symptoms

Treating only the shoulder may provide temporary relief if the neck is the real source of the problem.

Assessment of the neck, upper back and shoulder together helps identify the true driver of symptoms.

 

LIVE PAIN FREE

Trigger points are tight bundles of dysfunctional muscle fibres that can create pain locally or refer symptoms into the shoulder and arm.

By releasing the trigger point, the muscle relaxes. When the muscle relaxes, tension decreases and movement improves.

Don’t put up with shoulder pain any longer.

Book now and start moving freely again.