How Can Physiotherapy Treat Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder health and proper functioning are integral to our daily activities and overall well-being. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body and therefore enables us to perform essential tasks such as reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining upper body stability and facilitating various sports, hobbies, and work-related tasks. Healthy shoulders contribute to balanced posture, movement coordination, and allow us to actively engage in numerous aspects of life.
Physiotherapy for treating shoulder injuries involves a comprehensive approach that can help alleviate pain, restore function, and enhance mobility. Physiotherapists begin with an examination of the shoulder to assess strength, range of motion, and pinpoint any functional limitations. Ultimately, the aim of the assessment phase is to determine an appropriate course of action to treat the patient’s symptoms and concerns.
Common Shoulder Conditions That We Treat:
-
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, often resulting in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
-
Frozen Shoulder: Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, with a significant loss of mobility due to the thickening and tightening of the joint capsule.
-
Shoulder Impingement: Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as they pass through the shoulder joint, leading to pain and limited movement.
-
Labral Tears: Labral tears refer to injuries of the cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder, causing pain, instability, and limited range of motion.
-
Shoulder Subluxation/Dislocation: Shoulder subluxation or dislocation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint partially or completely comes out of the socket, often resulting in pain, instability, and reduced mobility.
-
Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions joints, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement, often caused by repetitive motion or pressure.
Physiotherapy methods encompass exercises that strengthen/stabilize the muscles around the shoulder joint and promote proper shoulder mechanics. In addition to exercise therapy, manual therapy can be applied to improve range, reduce pain and prime the shoulder before exercise. The goal of the treatment plan is to facilitate the body’s natural healing, regain strength, promote optimal shoulder function, and prevent future injuries.
In summary, physiotherapy for shoulder injuries offers a personalized approach to address specific conditions, reduce pain, and restore function. Through a combination of exercises, hands-on techniques, and movement corrections, physiotherapists can guide patients toward a healthy recovery and improved shoulder health.