Osteopath for Shoulder Pain
Home > Osteopath for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain typically results from an issue with the muscles, joints, and tendons that make up the shoulder, or it may be referred from the neck, upper back, or ribs.
What are the symptoms?
Even if you are unable to identify the exact incident that started your symptoms, the pain usually worsens over time. Pain is frequently felt outside the shoulder and upper arm, and it worsens with use and at night.
The following symptoms are frequently noticeable:
- Pain that radiates into the neck, back, or arm
- Pain when the arm is elevated above head height
- Discomfort when the arm is raised to the side.
- Pain when reaching behind the back.
- Night pain
Common causes of shoulder pain:
Simple tasks that you once did so easily seem impossible now? The reason could be shoulder pain. If you are struggling to reach for that jar on the top shelf, rolling over in bed without experiencing pain, or lovingly lifting your child, it is time to reach out to an osteopath for shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain can be debilitating and commonly affects people of all ages and genders. It comes in the way of the little things that you love to do, becoming a never-ending nuisance.
It is natural for you to feel anxious when dealing with shoulder pain. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Countless people in Brisbane experience shoulder pain at different stages of life.
An osteopath for shoulder pain can help you identify the root cause and eliminate it through gentle tissue stimulation, stretching, exercise, and pain management therapy. The common causes of shoulder pain are
Lifestyle Factors
Repeatedly using your arm in certain positions, like while painting or brushing hair, can contribute to acute and chronic shoulder pain in people of all ages.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is among the most common causes of shoulder pain. It happens due to the stiffness of connective tissues around the shoulder capsule.
Subacromial Impingement
A result of the compression of the shoulder cuff tendons, subacromial impingement is a result of repetitive movements, muscle imbalance, and inflammation.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Among the most common causes of shoulder pain, rotator cuff injury is more common in seniors. Smoking and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension are associated with rotator cuff injury.
Tendonitis
It occurs due to the inflammation of tendons, fibrous cords connecting muscles and bones.
Injury, age, trauma, and repetitive use are common causes of tendonitis.
Bursitis
Caused by the inflammation of the bursae, a fluid-filled structure around the joints, bursitis causes shoulder pain in people of all ages.
Sprains/Strains of Soft Tissues
Soft tissue strains and sprains can cause acute to chronic shoulder pain. Sprains or strains can occur due to overuse, hyperextension, or sports injuries.
Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm pops out of the shoulder blade socket. It causes severe pain and discomfort if not treated promptly.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative disease causing pain and discomfort in joints, osteoarthritis is a leading cause of shoulder pain among adults and seniors.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder primarily affecting older adults, polymyalgia rheumatica is associated with pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an autoimmune disease with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Women and older adults are more at risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Septic Arthritis
A painful joint infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, septic arthritis is a painful condition. It affects the shoulders and other joints.
When shoulder pain becomes more severe?
Often, shoulder pain is referred pain from an internal organ like the heart, liver, or gallbladder rather than being caused by a disease in the shoulder or upper back. It can also be caused by specific inflammatory disorders that require specialised therapy. In order to determine the source of your pain, your osteopath will take a detailed health history during your initial visit. If additional tests or scans are required, your osteopath can then refer you to your GP.
Types of Shoulder Pain
Acute (sudden)
Woke up with a shoulder pain that didn’t exist until the previous night? A sudden shoulder pain, primarily due to underlying injuries, traumas, or extensive overuse, is among the most common types of shoulder pain. A sharp pain that radiates down the arm is the most common symptom of acute shoulder pain.
Subacute (recent)
Annoyed by a niggling pain in the shoulders that hasn’t subsided in a few weeks? It can be classified as subacute shoulder pain. It significantly limits the range of motion if not treated promptly.
Chronic (long-term)
Planning to see a doctor about your shoulder pain for the past few months, but never actually got to it? You might be experiencing chronic shoulder pain. Occurring due to the long-term neglect of acute and subacute pains, chronic shoulder pain must be treated immediately.
How does osteopathy treat shoulder pain?
- Shoulder pain dictating the way you move and live every day? From brushing your teeth to putting on a jacket, even the most mundane tasks can be painful due to shoulder injuries.
Talk to an osteopath for shoulder pain today. They identify underlying conditions, improve mobility, and promote recovery. Soft tissue massage, mobilisation, and muscle strengthening exercises are all possible treatment options.
Our osteopath in Brisbane will take the time to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain. An osteopath for shoulder pain will use comprehensive assessment, hands-on techniques, and rehabilitation exercises for effective pain management.
Our osteopaths will guide you toward a pain-free life. Through recommended lifestyle changes and posture correction advice, we empower you to live your life to the fullest. Book an appointment or contact us to discover how our osteopaths can help improve your health with a (w)holistic approach. We don’t just manage symptoms, but offer lasting relief from acute to chronic shoulder pain and help you get back to activities that truly matter.
Book an appointment or contact us to discover how our Doctors of Osteopathic medicine can help improve your health with a wholistic approach.
