Shoulder Pain – What can I do about it?

Those who experience shoulder pain often find that it gets in the way of doing everyday tasks, such as hanging laundry on the line, putting on a jumper or even making a cup of coffee. Our shoulders and arms are in constant use throughout the day. Prolonged pain can limit mobility and every-day use. Often, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy is responsible for shoulder pain symptoms, and this is a condition which requires careful management by an experienced physiotherapist. Shoulder and upper arm pain should not be ignored, particularly if it is worse when lifting or performing overhead movements. In this blog post we will be sharing some insight into Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and how it is treated.

What is the role of the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff consists of 4 muscles. It serves to keep your upper arm bone (humerus) securely in the shoulder socket and guide upper limb movement. As these muscles play an important role in maintaining stability and control, it is important that you allow plenty of time to rest and recover following activity. If you attempt to do too much at once, you may overload the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. This typically occurs when you perform a lot of heavy-lifting or overhead movements which you are not used to.

Whilst it is possible for one-off activities and acute trauma to result in rotator cuff tendinopathy, often people develop the condition following repeated overuse of the muscles for a period of around 2-3 weeks.  

Typical Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

The primary symptom of this condition is pain around the shoulder joint, which can be felt at the front or back. You may also experience pain down the upper arm. Occasionally pain may travel or refer up towards the neck. The pain is often aggravated by heavy lifting, particularly if it’s repetitive. It is also common for activity at shoulder height or above to cause symptoms to develop. Very often people report shoulder pain that affects the quality of their sleep.

Patients typically experience the following symptoms:

• Shoulder pain when performing overhead activities e.g., lifting and swimming

• Pain when lifting arm, particularly at angles of between 90 to 120 degrees

• Reduced shoulder rotation such as reaching behind your back

Physio Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Treatment involves a combination of education, muscle strengthening, postural correction and occasionally manual therapy. The goal is to achieve an appropriate level of strength and fitness that will allow the rotator cuff muscles to support the arm and enable you to go about your daily activities pain-free and with confidence. Most individuals will require between 6-12 weeks of physio to achieve a noticeable improvement in function and symptom relief. 

If the examination indicates a reasonable probability of significant structural change inside your shoulder, for example a significant rotator cuff muscle tear, then you will be advised to seek specialist advice. Often you will need an MRI to determine the integrity of the rotator cuff. 

Your physiotherapist will advise you on appropriate exercises which will benefit the shoulder without causing further aggravation of your condition. It is important to take a gradual approach, starting with small loads before then increasing tolerances incrementally. 

Some of the most effective strategies for rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain include:

• Manual physiotherapy

• Stretches and taping

• Home exercise routines focussed on strengthening rotator cuff muscles/tendons and increasing scapular posture stability

Experiencing Shoulder Pain? Visit Orthosports Physio Today

Shoulder pain is something that no one should have to live with, and symptoms should never be brushed off. With the guidance of your Orthosports physiotherapist, you will be able to regain rotator cuff strength and stability and resume your normal routine safely and with confidence. 

To book an appointment at our Concord clinic please call 9744 2201.