Shoulder Pain
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain Without Injury?
The shoulder is one of the most complicated joints in your body as there are numerous muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments that play a role in its function. Most often pain in the shoulder comes on without specific injury, it is something that has been building up for a long time and whatever finally causes the pain is just the straw that broke the camels back. Some common causes of shoulder pain are:
poor posture - hunched, rounded shoulders
faulty technique in a sporting or work situation
repetitive strain
referred pain from the neck
How Do I Know If My Shoulder Pain Is Serious?
If your pain is sharp or stabbing in nature, if you have pins and needles or numbness, or if it is interrupting your sleep then there is likely something serious going on. If a structure has been tweaked and there is mild inflammation, then this should settle within about 4 weeks. If there hasn’t been significant improvement within this time or the pain is worsening then it is time to get it checked out.
When Should I See A Physiotherapist About Pain In My Shoulder?
If your pain is severe, came on suddenly, is worsening, or is keeping you awake then you should see a physio. Equally if the pain isn’t quite that intense, but isn’t showing signs of settling down within 4 weeks then that would be a good time to find out exactly what is going on and get started on a treatment plan.
How Do I Get My Shoulder To Stop Hurting?
Once you’ve seen a physio and have a proper diagnosis, then you will be guided in the specific do’s and don’ts to help stop your shoulder hurting. This will vary depending on the diagnosis but a general rule is to try to find comfortable positions that aren’t causing pain and assume these as much as possible as well as avoiding aggravating movements. Heat and ice can often help to sooth the pain - I would suggest trying both to see what works best for you.
What Exercise Can I Do For A Sore Shoulder?
The specific exercises that you do will depend on the diagnosis. Here are some good starter stretches that can be done for a rotator cuff injury or frozen shoulder. Doing general exercise such as walking and cycling are okay to do as long as it doesn’t cause pain.
What Will A Physiotherapist Do?
At The Physiotherapy Place we will diagnose your injury and what has caused it to happen. A treatment program will begin including:
manual therapy to mobilise stiff joints
massage to aid the healing of soft tissue
Gunn IMS to release tight muscles and desensitise nerves
exercises specific to your injury to stretch and strengthen the shoulder
Following this protocol will ensure that the shoulder injury heals and recovers normal function in the quickest manner possible.