Shoulder pain is the 3rd most common musculoskeletal complaint seen in clinical practice, with
70% of patients still experiencing symptoms 6 weeks after their initial presentation, and 50% developing chronic symptoms (Ottenheijm et al 2011).
There are a number of structures in the shoulder that can cause pain, and the most common causes of shoulder pain or injuries can include:
Overuse of the shoulder joint during exercise
Low strength in the shoulder causing a lack of stability to the joint during movement
Frozen shoulder (shoulder stiffness)
Osteoarthritis
Due to the large number of reasons you may be experiencing shoulder pain, symptoms will vary and can include:
Dull, achy or sharp pain
Reduced range of movement, usually caused by the pain experienced
Weakness in the shoulder area
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
There are a number of treatment options for shoulder pain, the course of action to take will depend on the cause of the pain.Physiotherapy is crucial in the conservative management of shoulder pain.
Here’s how it helps:
Assessment and Diagnosis: Physiotherapists use a thorough assessment to identify the specific cause of shoulder pain. This includes a physical examination, and patient history.
Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, physiotherapists design a tailored treatment plan that may include:
Manual Therapy: Techniques like joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises are vital in restoring normal function.
Modalities: The use of ultrasound, electrotherapy, or cryotherapy can reduce pain and inflammation, promoting faster recovery.
Education: Teaching patients about posture, ergonomics, and activity modification to prevent recurrence.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: For patients who undergo shoulder surgery, physiotherapy is essential in the rehabilitation process, helping them regain strength and mobility, and return to their daily activities safely.
Prevention of Chronic Pain: Early physiotherapy intervention can prevent acute shoulder pain from becoming chronic, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
