The shoulder complex includes your upper ribs, shoulder blade, collarbone, arm, the shoulder joint itself and all it’s many muscles and tendons. It is closely linked to how your neck and upper back are working and all these areas are treated as a whole.
Shoulder pain can seemingly come from nowhere or can happen as a result of a trauma during sports or an accident. Symptoms can come from simple pulls and strains, or a very painful frozen shoulder. Pins and needles, numbness and weakness in the hands and arms can also originate from trouble at the shoulder area and can be aggravated by our posture, stress levels and work or leisure activities.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is common and can be caused by a number of conditions. Many people seek shoulder pain treatment for conditions including:
- Rotator cuff problems – pain in the shoulder or upper arm, particularly when lifting the arm, lying on it or using the sore muscles. It is often the result of repetitive overuse of the arm and shoulder during a sport or activity or the result of a shoulder injury. Age can also play a part.
- Acromioclavicular joint pain – painful joint on the tip of the shoulder where the collarbone and shoulder blade join.
- Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis – is the painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule (the tissue surrounding the shoulder joint) and the shoulder often becomes so stiff and painful that it limits ability to use the arm in everyday activities.
- Referred shoulder pain – pain is experienced in an area away from the injury or problem e.g. pain in the shoulder, usually referred from the neck or upper back.
- Osteoarthritis – progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint leading to the two bones of the joint rubbing together causing pain. Patients who have had previous trauma or shoulder surgery are most likely to develop osteoarthritis in later life. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, aching and sharp, stabbing pains.
- Shoulder instability – dislocation or excessive movement of the shoulder joint.
Osteopathy for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder problems are often complex and may take a number of sessions to resolve. As your osteopath I will work with you to try and understand the cause of your shoulder problem.
Depending on your age, fitness and the diagnosis we may use a variety of massage, rhythmical articulation and stretching techniques to try and improve the movement in your shoulder and reduce tension in any tight muscles.
Treatment is different for every individual and I may massage and loosen the joint of the neck and upper and mid back and shoulder blade area and sometimes the low back and hips if I feel they are contributing to your shoulder pain.
I may offer specific strengthening or loosening exercises to the shoulder an offer advice on posture and look at how you use your shoulder and any lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your shoulder problem.
X-rays and scans or other tests may be require to make a diagnosis and I may refer you to your GP for any further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteopathy consultations at my North Devon clinic are £50. This normally is for a 45-minute session and applies to both initial assessments and any follow-up appointments.
As with any medical examination, you will probably be asked to undress to your underwear, so please wear something you are comfortable in.
Yes – if you wish, you can have someone present throughout your consultation and treatment.
Some soft tissue treatment may cause discomfort during treatment. Suzanne will tell you what to expect, and will want you to let her know if you are in pain. You may feel stiff or sore after treatment. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment.
Suzanne usually looks at your posture and how you move your body. She may also assess what happens when she moves it for you and see what hurts, where and when.
Using touch, Suzanne may also find the areas which are sensitive or tight and this helps her to identify what’s going on. When Suzanne has done this, she can diagnose your condition. She may sometimes feel that osteopathy is not appropriate for you and refer you to your GP or another specialist such as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Suzanne uses a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage and joint articulation to release tension, stretch muscles, help relieve pain and mobilise your joints.
Sometimes, when she moves a joint you may hear a ‘click’. This is just like the click people get when they crack their knuckles. Suzanne may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement in your workplace and everyday life.