Decoding Shoulder Pain: Common Causes and How Physio Can Help

That nagging ache in your shoulder? The sharp pain when you reach for something? Shoulder pain is a common complaint, and it can significantly impact your daily life. At Activate, we understand how frustrating and debilitating shoulder pain can be. That’s why we’re here to help you understand the common causes and when physiotherapy might be the next sensible step.

Common Culprits of Shoulder Pain:

Our shoulders are complex joints, allowing for a wide range of motion. However, this complexity also makes them susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Here are a few of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

• Rotator Cuff Tears:
  • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Think of the rotator cuff as the muscles that hold the ball of your shoulder joint securely in the socket.
  • Tears can occur due to injury or wear and tear, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
• Shoulder Impingement:
  • This occurs when tendons in the shoulder become compressed, often due to repetitive overhead movements.
  • The space between the underside of the collar bone and top of the arm one (the round ‘ humeral head’ ) in your shoulder narrowing, pinching the tendons as you move . This pinching causes inflammation and pain.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):
  • This condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move.
  • This condition is when the capsule surrounding your shoulder joint thickens and tightens, severely restricting movement.
• Bursitis:
  • Bursae are small, fluid filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Overuse or injury can cause these sacs to become inflamed.
• Arthritis:
  • Like other joints, the shoulder joint cartilage can be affected by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, leading to pain and stiffness.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. There is good evidence to prove that physiotherapy treatment and exercises can be very effective in management of shoulder issues. At Activate, our experienced physiotherapists will:

• Conduct a Thorough Assessment: We’ll evaluate your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and stability to identify the underlying cause of your pain.
• Develop a Tailored Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, we’ll create a personalized plan that may include:
  • Hands-on techniques: such as joint mobilization and soft tissue release, to reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Therapeutic exercises: to strengthen the rotator cuff and other supporting muscles, improving stability and function.
  • Posture correction: to address any postural imbalances that may be contributing to your pain.
  • Education: on proper movement patterns and injury prevention strategies.
• Provide Ongoing Support: We’ll guide you through your rehabilitation process, ensuring you’re progressing safely and effectively.

Why Choose Activate Physio. Pilates. Exercise Rehab?

Located in the heart of Annandale, we provide a friendly and supportive environment where you can focus on healing and regaining your strength. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and get back to doing what you love.

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Book a consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists today and take the first step towards a pain-free life!