Shoulder Pain and Anatomy
Shoulder pain can be caused by various factors. Physiotherapy offers effective treatment through exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy for healing and recovery. The shoulders are one of the body’s most active joints. We use them when playing sports, when, doing various household chores, and in the most simple tasks such as scratching our backs. Because the shoulder play such a central role in movement, they are one of the most common sites for pain to occur. According to a recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention report, almost 1.2 million Americans visit the emergency room for shoulder pain each year, with 9% of the patients reporting their pain to be chronic. Shoulder pain can cause serious impediments to performing daily functions, lowering quality of life.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Tendonitis and bursitis, occur when tendons are overused and get trapped between the bones and the shoulder or when the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs) gets inflamed. Some symptoms of bursitis include pain with overhead activities or pressure on the upper, outer arm.
Rotator cuff tears occur in the muscles or tendons surrounding the top of the humerus. It can be a result of a sudden injury, or from steady overuse. The tear limits the range of motion of the shoulder and causes weakness and pain in the shoulder.
Superior labrum tears (SLAP) occur in the glenoid ligament in the shoulder joint socket. These are often seen in sports injuries related to overhead or throwing activities.
Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is another common cause of shoulder pain due to inflammation, and is characterized by pain and stiffness. This condition can severely limit shoulder movement.
Treatment Options
Some shoulder injuries, such as a dislocation or fracture, require the immediate attention of a medical professional. For pain that develops over time, possible treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, functional strength training, and mindful biomechanics can help to decrease the chances of developing shoulder pain. Physical therapy can be recommended to help alleviate the pain.
