Shoulder pain may occur as a result of a direct injury to the shoulder complex, a sprain or strain of the tendons of the rotator cuff, or from enlargement of the bursa due to altered upper limb movement patterns. Pain may also be referred from the cervical spine or from the diaphragm following abdominal surgery.
What happens if I have Shoulder Pain?
Physiotherapists at Eastern Sports and Spinal Care will take a thorough history and then conduct a complete assessment of your shoulder, shoulder girdle, neck and neural tissue mobility to determine the factors contributing to your symptoms. Shoulder pain can result from repetitive movements in a position of poor posture which irritates the tendons and bursa around the joint.
Your assessment will include strength testing of the rotator cuff muscles, range of motion of the neck and upper limb as well as specific joint mobilisation and stability tests to determine the specific factors contributing to your pain. This allows treatment to be effective and directed appropriately for the best outcome.
Treatment may involve specific joint mobilisation of the cervical spine and/or shoulder joint complex, massage and stretches to tight muscle group modalities to reduce inflammation and enhance healing and specific exercises to address any muscle imbalances.