The shoulder joint is made up of many joints that form an intricate system that enables a person to either; drink a cup of tea, scratch your back, and comb your hair amongst other activities. It is a joint that is crucial in the day to day activities and in presence of pain and stiffness; there is a lot of restriforections to perform any duties. Shoulder has high degree of flexibility. Therefore it’s less stable and prone to injuries than other joints of the body. Tendons, muscles, bursa, bones, and ligaments amongst others make up shoulder joint.
All of these can cause pain and inhibit normal movements. Injury can be either gradual or sudden onset. Gradual onset is whereby there is repeated microtrauma over a period of time. However sudden onset is usually an injury like falls and hits.
Assessment To Shoulder Pain
Whenever someone has pain, it is always important to get assessed to. This is to determine which structures might have been torn or hurt. Most shoulder pains have a high recurrence rate due to its overuse during day to day activities. Most muscles that surround the shoulder joint are prone to tears. Especially in people who use overhead activities for example baseball pitchers. Many people also have torn rotator cuff muscles that are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).
When having shoulder pain and movement difficulties it is important you visit a physiotherapist. He/She will assess and determine the cause of pain. They will work on improving your quality of life through education, treatment and management. The initial objective of all shoulder injuries is to relieve pain and inflammation. Whilst many doctors will recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling, the benefit obtained by applying ice-packs can be equally, if not more beneficial.
As your shoulder begins to heal, it is vitally important to restore range of movement, and later to improve muscle strength. This is to stabilize the shoulder and help prevent further injury and aggravation.
Your Physiotherapist will be able to assist you with suitable shoulder range of motion exercises and shoulder strengthening and rehabilitation exercises during your recovery.
Physiotherapists can assist with the following shoulder conditions:
- Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
- Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension
- Rotator Cuff Disorders such as tears and strains
- Frozen Shoulder
- Arthritis of the Shoulder
Notes by Michael Ombati- Physical Therapist
Active physiohealth Blog
Compiled by Nellie Nthiga,
BDM,
Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Health Centre
