Shoulder Pain
Can an osteopath help with shoulder pain?
Shoulder Pain is a very common problem and due to the complex nature of the shoulder joint your pain can be caused by a number of conditions including:
- Rotator cuff – Rotator cuff muscles are key stabilisers of the shoulder and problems can cause pain in the shoulder or upper arm, particularly when lifting the arm. These problems are often due to repetitive overuse during sport or work or as a result of a shoulder injury.
- Frozen shoulder – The correct term is adhesive capsulitis and this is the painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule. It is an overused diagnosis and a lot of ‘frozen’ shoulders I see are due to other joint problems.
- Referred shoulder pain – Thanks to the way that the nervous system works this feels like pain in the shoulder but actually originates in the neck or upper back (the same mechanism resulting in a heart attack causing pain in the left arm)
What to do…
Shoulder problems can be complex and take some time to resolve so we will work with you to understand the cause of your shoulder problem and provide solutions that fit into your lifestyle.
Treatment is different for every individual and may involve loosening the joints 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 will give you specific shoulder exercises or stretches and give you the postural advice you need to help resolve any problems.
X-rays, scans and other tests are sometimes required and you may be referred to your GP or a specialist for additional investigation or treatment.
For more advice on your shoulder pain, or to book an appointment please call me on (01604) 532853 or 07515 014308
“When I first visited Bob, my shoulder was so sore that it was keeping me awake at night. I couldn’t lift my right arm above horizontal.
The first treatment seemed like a miracle. I couldn’t understand it – Bob had been pressing my neck and shoulder at certain points, and had stood behind me assessing me (I thought), but nothing much seemed to be going on. I turned my head from side to side, while Bob did a thing or two, but it was just a bit of a gentle massage.
I assumed I might feel a bit better, but not much. But then Bob asked me how it felt, asked me to swing my arms around – the pain was completely gone. I was completely surprised, and very pleased.”