Shoulder

Lady with Shoulder Pain

Impingement Syndromes (Rotator Cuff)

Symptoms;

With Impingement Syndrome you will most commonly experience pain, weakness and restriction of the affected shoulder. Overhead movement and sleeping on the side of your affected shoulder will typically aggravate symptoms. If you injured the shoulder the onset of pain may be acute, if your symptoms started gradually they are more likely to be from posture or “wear and tear” such as an osteoarthritic spur. You may also experience grinding or popping sensations during movement of the shoulder.

What is Impingement Syndrome

It is also known as subacromial impingement, painful arc syndrome, supraspinatus syndrome, swimmer's shoulder, and thrower's shoulder. It is a clinical syndrome that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space, the passage beneath the acromion in the shoulder.

Can we help?

At our clinics we will assess the movement of your whole shoulder girdle, your glenohumeral joint, scapular motion, thoracic and cervical spine movements. We then use a recognised series of testing that repositions each area to look at how this impacts upon your pain. This way we can identify specifically which structures are contributing to your problems.

If you are suffering from Impingement Syndrome, call us today at our and find out how we can help you. 

Bicipital Tendonitis vs Tendonopathy

Symptoms

Biceps Tendonosis can be very painful. If you are suffering from Bicipital Tendonopathy, you will experience dull and achey pain at the front of the shoulder radiating to the front of the arm. This can increase to sharp or stabbing pain with overhead activities, lifting in front of the body or overhead or with repetitive activities. Often your pain will be worse at night. Your tendon can often be felt at the front of the shoulder and can be very tender to touch or press. 

What is Bicipital Tendonitis vs Tendonopathy?

Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the Long Head of Biceps tendon in the upper arm and into the anterior shoulder.

Is it a Tendonitis or a Tendinosis!!

Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon and results from micro-tears that happen when the musculotendinous unit is acutely overloaded with a tensile force that is too heavy and/or too sudden such as weightlifting above your limit or falling onto the arm. 

Tendinosis is the degeneration of the tendon’s collagen in response to chronic overuse. When overuse is continued without giving the tendon time to heal and rest (such as with repetitive strain injury). Even tiny movements, such as clicking a mouse, can cause tendinosis, when performed repeatedly. The latter of the processes is far more common.

The treatment for both processes is markedly different and actually some treatments recommended for bicipital tendonitis are actually contraindicated in Tendonosis. Ibuprofen (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) and Corticosteroids that are used with tendonitis are known to inhibit collagen repair and have been shown to be a predictor of later tendon tears.

Can we Treat?

As it is a chronic overuse injury; poor posture, muscle imbalance and faulty shoulder mechanics are the key issues. Correcting these not only treats your current symptoms but assists in future prevention. These are elements are all assessed, treated and strengthened where appropriate at our clinic. We know that treatment is only part of the solution. It is also important that the muscles in the shoulder are balanced and strong.

Contact Us

So if you are suffering from Bicipital Tendonopathy or Tendonitis call us at the our clinic.

Scapular Dyskinesis (SD)/Scapulothoracic Dysfunction

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of SD may include pain in the shoulder or arm, especially with arm elevation, overhead or throwing activities. You may notice popping or clicking or be aware that your shoulder blade does not move correctly, it may “wing” (stick out). You might have no pain at all.

However SD has been heavily implicated as an important factor in most shoulder injuries and can contribute towards Impingement Syndromes, Bicipital Tendonopathy, Rotator Cuff Injury, Shoulder Pain, Neck pain or Upper Back Pain and stiffness.

Can we help?

At our clinics we fully assess and rehabilitate SD. We will look at your scapular motion but also assess this in relation to the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper back) and glenohumeral motion (shoulder joint).

If you think that you are suffering from Scapular Dysfunction, contact our clinics for more information.

Rotator Cuff Injury

Symptoms

A rotator cuff injury will cause dull aching deep in the shoulder joint which can increase if you sleep on the side of that shoulder. These injuries are more common if you repeatedly perform overhead motions within your job or sports. For example if you are a painters, carpenters, or if you swim or play tennis. The risk of injuring your rotator cuff also increases with age.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint, keeping the head of your humerus (upper arm bone) firmly located in the shallow socket of the shoulder. The cuff is comprised of four muscles and their tendons. These are the; 

  • Supraspinatus,
  • Infraspinatus,
  • Teres Minor

Sometimes known as the “SITS” muscles. Injury, Fatigue or Atrophy (wasting) of any of these muscles or their tendons is a Rotator Cuff Injury. Injury occurs either as the result of a single injury - i.e. a fall or gradually over a period of time with repetitive activities as descried above. Minor and moderate tears respond well to conservative treatment with exercise rehabilitation. Sometimes if there are extensive rotator cuff tears they may require surgical intervention.

If you are looking for full assessment and treatment of your Rotator Cuff Injury, call our clinics today 

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain

When you put your hand on someone’s shoulder you will cover the AC joint. The joint can be strained with trauma - most commonly a blow to the joint or a fall onto an outstretched hand. This causes local pain and may cause swelling. When the ligaments are damaged it can cause severe pain and shoulder instability. Therefore it is very important to have your injury assessed and treated appropriately to gain the best short and long term results.

If you are looking for full assessment and treatment of your shoulder pain or Injury, call our clinics today.

Labral Tears

The labrum of the shoulder is a fibrous cartilage ring which creates a “cuff” around the “socket” of the scapula of the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. This provides stability for the shoulder joint. A number of different tears can occur from trauma, i.e, falling on to outstretched hand or repetitive overuse injuries. These tears will cause pain and catching or weakness/giving way sensations in the shoulder.

Having the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential for achieving the best recovery. Whether your tear is appropriate for conservative management or not depends on the size of the tear and it’s location. It also depends on how strong your shoulder muscles are and if you have muscular imbalances. Where appropriate we will refer you to the appropriate shoulder consultants and local experts to achieve the best result for you.

If you are looking for full assessment and treatment of your shoulder pain or Injury, call our clinics today

Frozen Shoulder - Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive Capsulitis can be extremely painful and debilitating. It is generally divided into 3 distinct stages.

Signs and symptoms.

  • Stage 1 - “Freezing” Stage which is the Painful Stage. This is very painful and associated with progressive loss of range of the shoulder. This stage usually lasts 3-9 months.
  • Stage 2 - “Frozen” In this stage symptoms do not tend to get worse but they plateau. Due to lack of use, muscular wasting of the arm can occur. This stage lasts anywhere from 4-12 months.
  • Stage 3 - “Thawing” lasts anywhere from 12-42 months, movement and pain levels begin to improve. 

 

Adhesive Capsulitis is commonly associated with other more systemic conditions such as Diabetes, Thyroid problems and adrenal imbalance. Having the correct diagnosis is essential here.

If you are looking for full assessment and treatment of your shoulder pain, call our clinics today.