Shoulder Pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in either one or both of the shoulders. The assessment and management of Shoulder Pain is sometimes complicated, because of the number of structures that comprise the shoulder and the manner in which they all interact. One third of men and one quarter of women are likely to experience Shoulder Pain over their lives, with people working in manual jobs more at risk than others.

Shoulder Pain may be felt in the mid-back, the top of the neck, the side or middle of the arm, and within the shoulder joint itself. Because of the nerves that travel through the shoulder to reach the arm and the hand, Shoulder Pain may be felt elsewhere in the body.

Shoulder Pain is caused by irritation, inflammation or wear-down of structures that make up the shoulder. Typical causes of Shoulder Pain are traumatic injuries, rotator cuff injuries, tightness of one muscle, inflammation of a muscle belly or tendon, and arthritis in older individuals. The specific cause of Shoulder Pain depends on assessing the interplay between structures, movements, painful positions, and activities that cause pain. Shoulder Pain can arise due to muscular, bony, joint, ligamentous, or neurological causes.

Management of Shoulder Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Shoulder Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future.

At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.