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Shoulder Pain

Is It Time To Finally Put An End To Shoulder Pain?

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What causes shoulder pain?

Are you months down the line but still experiencing shoulder pain? Is it getting worse? Are you struggling to reach for your seat belt or fasten your bra? Pain in bed when laying on your side? Struggling to lift your arm above your head? Have you lost range of movement in your shoulder? If you have answered yes to any of the above, you have come to the right place.

When addressing shoulder pain, it’s crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause. When dealing with shoulder pain that has resulted from trauma such as a fall or direct contact, identifying the specific cause is obvious. However, most of us experiencing shoulder pain cannot recall a specific event or trauma that brought on the pain.

The challenge with these types of injuries lies in identifying the underlying cause. Failing to identify the root cause will often result in persistent discomfort, potential reoccurrences in the future, and limitations when increasing activity levels. Without addressing the root of the problem, individuals may find themselves stuck in a cycle of pain management rather than achieving long-term relief and mobility.

What are the most common symptoms of shoulder pain

  • Pain in your shoulder or upper arm.
  • Pain in the back of the shoulder or shoulder blade area.
  • Sharp stabbing pain in your shoulder .
  • Pain or inability to fasten your bra or put your arm in a coat.
  • You are aware you have lost range of movement in your shoulder
  • Pain laying directly on your shoulder.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Pain lifting your arm above your head.
  • Lost strength in your arm.
  • Your shoulder is getting stiffer.
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Is your shoulder causing neck pain? Or is your neck causing shoulder pain?

It is common for individuals experiencing shoulder pain to also exhibit symptoms in both the shoulder and the neck and this overlap in symptoms can lead to frustration and confusion as to where the problem actually is.

The nerves that innervate the shoulder and neck can overlap, leading to the phenomenon of referred pain. In other words, dysfunction or irritation in one area can manifest as pain or discomfort in another area supplied by the same nerve pathways.

Given the interconnectedness of the shoulder and neck and the potential for overlapping symptoms, an assessment by a physiotherapist, is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. This involves an in depth assessment of the shoulder and the neck, and can quickly identify the root of the problem.

Failing to accurately identify whether shoulder pain originates from a neck problem or a shoulder problem can indeed lead to treatment that focuses on the wrong area.

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The most common injuries that we treat at Sharp Physiotherapy

  1. Shoulder Impingement
  2. Rotator Cuff Injuries ( Full & Partial Tears)
  3. Labral Tears
  4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  5. Post Surgical Shoulders
  6. AC Joint Sprains
  7. Fractures
  8. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

What They’re Saying

“Outstanding service, saved me from having an £8k operation. Hospital Specialist told me I needed surgery for frozen shoulder and complications that go with it, after 4 visits I had 80% movement back, 6 visits and 100% fixed. The Best 👍🏻”

MarcusDoncaster Clinic

Why We Are Different

We do not just hand out exercise sheets.

Many peoples perception of physiotherapy in the UK is that you get given an exercise sheet to do at home and nothing more. We diverge from this, and take a distinct approach to physiotherapy that offers a hands on and more personal approach.

Unlike many physiotherapy providers that merely hand out exercise sheets, we prioritise manual therapy techniques within the session to ensure not just quick, but often instant results for our patients. While our clinic places a strong emphasis on manual therapy for immediate pain relief, we do recognise the important of rehab exercises for long term health and injury prevention.

01

We get to the very root of your problem.

We stand out by specialising in identifying the root cause of our patients’ issues rather than solely treating the symptoms. This approach allows us to provide personalised care that ensures long lasting results.

02

We do not try and sell you more appointments than you need.

We take pride in our approach because we don’t believe in recommending more sessions than you need. Unlike some practices, we don’t advocate for more sessions than necessary and our focus is on providing precisely the care you need to achieve the outcome you want, ensuring a cost-effective path to your recovery.

03

Frequently asked questions

When should I see a physio about shoulder pain?

You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you experience shoulder pain that persists for more than a few days, significantly limits your range of motion, or interferes with your daily activities or quality of life. Additionally, if you have recently experienced a shoulder injury or trauma, or if you notice swelling, bruising, or instability in your shoulder joint, it’s advisable to seek an evaluation by a physiotherapist as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. The symptoms of a frozen shoulder typically develop gradually and progress through several stages. Here are the common symptoms associated with frozen shoulder:

  1. Pain: Persistent, aching pain in the shoulder joint is often one of the earliest symptoms of frozen shoulder. The pain may worsen with movement or at night, particularly when lying on the affected side.
  2. Stiffness: Stiffness and restriction of movement in the shoulder joint are hallmark symptoms of frozen shoulder. As the condition progresses, you may notice increasing difficulty with activities such as reaching overhead, reaching behind your back, or lifting objects.
  3. Limited Range of Motion: One of the defining characteristics of frozen shoulder is a significant reduction in the range of motion of the shoulder joint. You may find it challenging to move your arm in various directions, and you may experience a sensation of “tightness” or “binding” in the shoulder.
  4. Difficulty Sleeping: Many individuals with frozen shoulder experience difficulty sleeping, especially when lying on the affected side due to increased pain and discomfort. The pain may interfere with restful sleep and contribute to feelings of fatigue and irritability.
  5. Gradual Onset: The symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop gradually over time, often progressing through three stages: the freezing stage (increasing pain and stiffness), the frozen stage (persistent stiffness and limited range of motion), and the thawing stage (gradual improvement in symptoms and range of motion).

Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own?

Small or partial-thickness rotator cuff tears may have the potential to heal with physiotherapy, but larger or full-thickness tears may need surgery. Seeking prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment from a physio is essential for managing rotator cuff tears and preventing further damage to the shoulder joint.

Can a shoulder dislocation heal on its own?

A shoulder dislocation typically requires medical attention to properly address the injury and reduce the likelihood of future dislocations and complications. A shoulder dislocation can indeed present two primary problems:

  1. Risk of Recurrence: After a shoulder dislocation, the surrounding soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons, may become stretched or torn. This can lead to shoulder instability, making the joint more prone to future dislocations. Without proper treatment and rehabilitation, the shoulder may remain loose and unstable, increasing the risk of recurrent dislocations.
  2. Long-Term Joint Damage: The act of dislocating the shoulder can cause significant trauma to the joint surfaces, including the glenoid (socket) and the humeral head (upper arm bone). This trauma can result in damage to the cartilage, labrum (a ring of fibrous tissue around the glenoid), and other structures within the shoulder joint. Over time, this damage may contribute to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and the development of shoulder arthritis.

What causes shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the subacromial bursa become irritated and inflamed as they pass through a narrow space between the acromion (a bony projection of the shoulder blade) and the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder impingement:

  1. Anatomical Factors: Certain anatomical variations, such as a hooked or curved acromion, a downward sloping acromion, or a narrow subacromial space, can predispose individuals to shoulder impingement by reducing the available space for the tendons and bursa to move freely.
  2. Repetitive Overhead Activities: Engaging in repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing, swimming, tennis, weightlifting, or overhead work, can place increased stress on the structures of the shoulder joint, leading to overuse injuries and inflammation of the tendons and bursa.
  3. Poor Posture: Poor posture, particularly rounded shoulders and forward head posture, can alter the biomechanics of the shoulder joint and contribute to impingement by narrowing the subacromial space and causing abnormal movement patterns during shoulder motion.
  4. Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles of the scapula (shoulder blade), can lead to altered shoulder mechanics and increased susceptibility to impingement injuries.
  5. Muscle Tightness or Stiffness: Tightness or stiffness in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, including the chest, upper back, and neck muscles, can restrict shoulder mobility and exacerbate impingement symptoms.
  6. Age and Degenerative Changes: As individuals age, degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, including osteoarthritis, bone spurs (osteophytes), and degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons, can contribute to narrowing of the subacromial space and increase the risk of impingement.

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