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:
- Lifestyle factors like repeatedly using your arm in certain positions, like while painting or brushing hair,
- Frozen shoulder
- Subacromial Impingement
- Rotator cuff injury
- Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) of the shoulder joints
- Muscle strain
- Upper rib or back restrictions
- Breathing changes due to pain
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.
How does osteopathy treat shoulder pain?
Osteopathic treatment aims to lessen shoulder pain, increase flexibility, and speed up your recovery. Soft tissue massage, mobilisation, and back, neck, and shoulder strengthening exercises are all possible treatment options. You can also get lifestyle, posture, and at-home exercise recommendations from an osteopath.