Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Caused by Rotator Cuff Injuries

The wing bone (scapula) is the site of attachment for the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles include the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis and they all work very hard to ensure the correct alignment of the arm within the shoulder socket.

The rotator cuff muscles can be injured through repeated and overuse movements, direct and indirect trauma.

The rotator cuff muscles stabilize the shoulder joint which is the joint in the body that moves the closest to 360 degrees. Take for example a punch or a javelin throw and think about how the arm stays in its socket. Well the reason it doesn’t come out of the socket with the punch or javelin throw is because the rotator cuff muscles stop it.. Therefore the force the rotator cuff absorbs can be immense based on certain actions we require it to perform on a daily basis.

Impingement Syndrome of the A-C Joint and Bursitis of the Shoulder – Shoulder Pain

The arm above head movements as seen in swimming freestyle or backstroke are shoulder joint actions that can cause impingement. The acromicoclavicular joint includes the clavicle (collar bone) and the acromial head of the scapula. When the arm is repetitively placed above the head the acromiclavicular (A-C joint) joint can become compressive and pinch. The busrae (a gel like sac around the joint) can become inflamed and cause pain leading to reduced shoulder movement.

Chronic Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain may cause degenerative changes in the shoulder joint as seen with degenerative arthritis/ osteoarthritis where bony spurs and outgrowths develop due to wear and tear and traction. Weak and lax rotator cuff muscles and incongruently shaped shoulder ball and socket joints can also predispose some people to shoulder disclocations.

Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

Physiotherapists at Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic can help develop treatment and rehab plans for shoulder pain, shoulder injuries, bursitis and rotator cuff strains. Therapy may include rehab exercises, therapeutic ultrasound, interferential and TENS therapy amongst other methods. Your physiotherapist will provide an assessment and diagnosis in-order to formalise a treatment plan specifically designed for your needs. Other imaging scans may be referred for including X-rays and co-management with your GP and other health professionals also may be necessary.

Your physio may demonstrate rehab band exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve ranges of shoulder joint movement.

For help, advice and to make an appointment with a physiotherapist please call us on (08) 9383 7883.