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Shoulder Pain Treatment: How Physiotherapy Can Offer Instant Relief.
Symptoms, causes, and relief for shoulder pain
What is Shoulder Pain?
“My shoulder feels sore, stiff, frozen, or numb!”
While not all of these sensations are strictly “painful,” they still fall under the umbrella of shoulder issues. If you’ve experienced any of these, you’re among the 26% of adults who will face shoulder problems at some point.
Our shoulders provide a wide range of motion, enabling activities from scratching our backs to throwing a ball and executing complex stretches. When something goes awry, it leads to both discomfort and inconvenience.
Common signs of shoulder pain include:
Inability to move as freely
Stiffness or numbness in the muscles
Warmth and redness in your shoulder
Pain that radiates to your arm, neck, and back
How does physiotherapy treat shoulder pain?
At Nofrills Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are experts in human anatomy and provide non-surgical treatments such as massage therapy, manual therapy, and dry needling, among others. If your shoulder pain originates from issues related to muscles, joints, bones, tendons, or ligaments, we can help address the root cause of your condition.
Should you require further expertise, we can refer you to a specialist and collaborate with them to ensure the best possible treatment for your condition.
Common causes for shoulder pain that we treat
Torn Rotator cuff
Injuries to the rotator cuff are common, especially as you age. If your job involves frequent shoulder use, your risk for this type of injury increases.
Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include:
- Difficulty reaching behind you
- A deep, dull ache in your shoulder
- Weakness in your arm
Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
More commonly known as frozen shoulder, this condition develops gradually and can take time to heal. Initially, you might not notice any issues, but symptoms will worsen over time. It’s often caused by prolonged immobility of the shoulder and can also arise after a broken arm.
Frozen shoulder progresses through three stages:
Freezing Stage:
Moving your shoulder causes pain, and you’ll experience a limited range of motion.
Frozen Stage:
Pain may lessen, but movement becomes increasingly difficult.
Thawing Stage:
Mobility in your shoulder begins to improve, accompanied by a gradual reduction in pain.
Symptoms of a Frozen Shoulder:
- Pain in your shoulder that worsens at night
- Persistent shoulder pain and stiffness
- Difficulty moving your arm and shoulder
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is a frequent source of discomfort for those experiencing shoulder pain. It occurs when lifting your arm causes the tendon to rub against surrounding tissues or get caught on the bone. This condition affects the rotator cuff tendon and may resolve on its own within a few weeks, though it can also become a lingering issue during the healing process.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement:
- Pain that intensifies when lifting your arm, particularly above your head
- Discomfort that worsens at night
- Pain located on the top and outer side of the shoulder
Tendon inflammation
Also referred to as tendonitis, this condition involves inflammation of the rotator cuff or biceps tendon. If left untreated, it can worsen over time, and severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Symptoms of Tendon Inflammation:
- Difficulty holding your arm in certain positions
- Pain or tenderness in the shoulder
- Reduced strength or movement in the affected arm
AC joint dysfunction
The AC joint, located in your shoulder, is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. The coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments support this joint. AC joint dysfunction often arises from arthritis, fractures, or wear and tear due to repetitive use.
This condition can be categorized into three types based on severity:
- Type 1: The AC joint is slightly torn, while the CC ligaments remain intact.
- Type 2: The AC joint is completely torn, but the CC ligaments are either untouched or only slightly injured.
- Type 3: Both the AC and CC ligaments are completely torn, causing the collarbone to become detached from the shoulder blade.
Symptoms of AC Joint Dysfunction:
- Limited mobility in the shoulder and arm
- Bruising and swelling
- Soreness at the top of the shoulder
Risk factors for shoulder pain
Prevention is indeed better than cure, especially when it comes to shoulder pain. Some individuals experience shoulder pain more frequently than others due to a variety of factors
Frequent use of shoulder
Those engaged in repetitive overhead activities, such as athletes or manual laborers, are more prone to shoulder issues
Had previously injured their shoulder
Previous shoulder injuries can make an individual more susceptible to future problems due to lingering weakness or instability.
Poor posture
Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or desk work, can lead to muscle imbalances and strain on the shoulder joint.
Overexertion
Have you sustained an injury? Have your doctor or physiotherapist advised you to rest? If your body is signaling the need for a break, it’s important to heed those warnings. Slowing down or pausing your physical activity is crucial to prevent exacerbating an existing injury or developing a new one.
Ageing
As we age, the wear and tear on the shoulder joint can increase the risk of injuries and conditions like tendonitis or arthritis.
Our 4 steps treatment process for immediate shoulder pain relief!
We don’t just address your symptoms and send you on your way. When you first visit us, our goal is to ensure you leave with significantly reduced discomfort and pain. We focus on identifying and treating the root causes of your condition, empowering you to surpass your previous limitations after recovery.
We achieve all this through four simple steps!
Step 1 – Immediate relief – Getting better
During your first session, our physiotherapist will take the time to understand your condition and symptoms, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. A thorough assessment will be conducted to pinpoint the source of your pain.
To start, we’ll provide immediate pain relief through manual therapy or massage therapy, ensuring you leave with significantly reduced discomfort and a greater sense of comfort.
Step 2 – A start to long-term shoulder pain relief
As you continue your sessions with us, we’ll implement a plan aimed at achieving long-term pain relief. During your first visit, we’ll discuss your goals and treatment preferences, allowing your physiotherapist to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 3 – Getting rid of shoulder pain permanently
If you’re longing for the days when shoulder pain was just a memory, we have great news! We focus not only on alleviating your symptoms but also on uncovering and addressing the root cause of your discomfort. Our goal is to help you become pain-free as quickly as possible!
Step 4 – Have your shoulder feel better than before
Just because you’re pain-free doesn’t mean your journey is over! At Nofrills Physiotherapy, we strive to help you surpass your previous limitations. For instance, if you could only stretch your arm to a certain degree without discomfort, we’re here to help you achieve even greater flexibility and strength.
Our available treatments for shoulder pain
FST enhances your flexibility and stretching ability, and you don’t need to be a gymnast to benefit! Improved flexibility protects your joints from injuries due to falls or overexertion, helping you avoid unnecessary pain. As you age, degenerative conditions can impact your muscles and tendons, but with FST, you can help fend them off!
This isn’t a treatment in the traditional sense, but rather a preventative program offered by us at Nofrills Physiotherapy. Workplace Health involves evaluating your office setup to recommend ergonomic improvements and providing guidance on enhancing health and safety while working. With laptops, phones, and desktops being integral to our daily routines, it’s no wonder that shoulder pain is becoming increasingly common.
Balancing your body is essential for preventing injuries. Pilates exercises consist of a series of movements that are guided by your physiotherapist, with each step focused on achieving specific goals.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a Physiotherapist for shoulder pain?
Seeking a physiotherapist as soon as possible can lead to a more efficient recovery. Delaying treatment often allows the condition to worsen, leading to scar tissue buildup that complicates healing. If you’re experiencing severe shoulder pain that limits your movement, it’s important to seek treatment right away.
I have a frozen shoulder. The doctor said I will never regain motion. Can physiotherapy help?
We can’t provide a definitive answer without conducting a physical assessment. However, we’ve successfully helped many clients with frozen shoulders regain their range of motion. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment with our physiotherapists.
How can I prevent shoulder pain?
To prevent shoulder pain, consider taking some precautions: always warm up before workouts and ease into activities if you haven’t done them in a while. Pay attention to your body; if you feel pain during exercise or any specific activity, it’s important to stop. If the discomfort persists, consult a doctor or a certified physiotherapist promptly.
What is causing my shoulder pain and how did I get it?
The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body, allowing for a wide range of movement. However, this flexibility also makes it one of the most unstable joints, increasing the risk of injuries. To identify the cause of your shoulder pain, our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment before diagnosing your condition. Once we have a diagnosis, we can review your physical activities to understand how the pain originated.
Office
279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
Monday to Friday : 9am – 8pm
Saturday : 10am – 7pm
Sunday : 10am – 6pm
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(+65) 9007 1085
hello@nofrillsphysiotherapy.com
Address: 279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
Other Physiotherapy Services
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