Shoulder Pain

  • Shoulder Pain   •   May 20, 2022
Shoulder pain

The shoulder is the most versatile, movable and often overused joint in the body. A collection of muscles and their accompanying tendons, referred to as the rotator cuff give the shoulder its wide ROM or range of motion.

Owing to how used it is daily, the shoulder musculature can often get worn out or injured – any kind of swelling, inflammation, bone changes or damage around the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain since it is such a complex joint required to move in practically all directions.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain typically occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become trapped or impinge under the shoulder musculature’s bony area. These tendons can become inflamed or damaged due to physical stress or moving the shoulder along an incorrect plane, leading to bursitis. In addition, you may also experience shoulder pain under the following circumstances:

  • Bone spurs in the shoulder region

  • Arthritis in the shoulder joint

  • Shoulder dislocation

  • Broken shoulder bone

  • Shoulder separation

  • Overuse injuries in nearby tendons, such as the bicep or wrist

  • Tears in the rotator cuff tendons

  • Poor posture and shoulder mechanics

How do I know if I’m suffering from shoulder pain?

The shoulder muscle is prone to strains, aches, pains and injuries, more so than other muscle groups in the body. For example, you may injure your shoulder simply by performing repetitive physical tasks, such as sitting at a desk and typing or working with machinery that requires the same movements each day. People also experience shoulder pain when playing specific sports such as golf or tennis, where swinging a club or bat may prove to be very demanding on the rotator cuff and adjoining muscles as well as tendons.

Specific diseases may also bring about shoulder pain – for instance, liver, gallbladder or heart disease, as well as neck pain can indirectly cause shoulder pain. However, older people are more likely to experience shoulder problems, especially over the age of 55-60. This happens because the surrounding soft tissues in the shoulder naturally degenerate with age.

While shoulder pain may be treated somewhat at home using medications, massage, and rest, it is best to consult a physician so that your shoulder pain can be diagnosed properly and the appropriate treatment prescribed. If you are experiencing the following, then it is best to consult with a physician sooner rather than later:

  • A dull or ‘nagging’ ache in your shoulder which worsens with movement

  • Trouble sleeping on the side which is affected

  • Wake up with a stiff neck and shoulders with limited ROM

  • Pain that worsens as you sit at a desk or with specific physical movements

  • Pain that goes away after taking painkillers but returns later

  • Massages provide temporary relief but make the pain worse later on

  • Pain and discomfort, which makes it difficult to sleep at night

  • Pain that makes it difficult to get in and out of a shirt/upper garment

  • The site of the pain feels warm to the touch and is red or swollen

Shoulder pain should never be taken lightly as it can get worse over time, which may require surgery as a last resort. Talk to an experienced physician today to have your shoulder pain diagnosed.

Our specialist team is on hand today to help you with your needs. Contact us today if you wish to book in for assessment or have received a diagnosis and want to discuss treatment plans.