Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain
Reducing shoulder pain and regaining mobility and agility with holistic physiotherapyShoulder pain is a common issue and can effect people’s lives to different degrees. A wide range of conditions can cause shoulder pain including injuries, overuse, or chronic conditions such as frozen shoulder and periarthritis. Treating shoulder pain effectively is important for regaining agility and mobility.
Request Appointment
Holistic Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain
Most often when people experience pain in their shoulders, they quickly attribute it to an injury that must have occurred at the shoulder area. However, there are times when shoulder pain is actually caused by an injury to another area in the body such as an organ. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, where pain originating in an internal organ is felt in another area.
Common examples of referred shoulder pain include diaphragmatic irritation of the phrenic nerve, Kehr’s sign (shoulder pain due to splenic rupture), a heart condition, perforated peptic ulcer, ectopic pregnancy ruptures, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), and pneumonia or lung inflammation. In such situations, the shoulder pain is actually a secondary symptom and it is important to get immediate medical attention for the underlying issue. It is recommended to have a medical consultation to rule out any concerning medical condition. If shoulder pain continues after the medical condition is stabilized, a holistic physiotherapist can provide visceral manipulation therapy along with physiotherapy for a more complete recovery.
How Physiotherapy Can Help With Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapy involves physical treatment methods like exercise, manual therapy, and education aimed at treating as well as preventing injuries and disabilities. In relation to shoulder pain, physiotherapy aims to:
Find UsReduce Inflammation
The use of cold therapy and other manual therapies can reduce the swelling in inflamed shoulders, which are known to be painful.
Improve Range of Motion
Physiotherapy helps bring back the range of motion that has been impaired by pain, injury or stiffness in the shoulder through specific exercises and stretches.
Strengthen Muscles
These activities focus on muscles around the joint enhancing stability and strength as well as providing increased protection to the area to reduce the possibility of future injury.
Empower with Education
Physiotherapists include education and post-treatment exercises plans as part of the overall plan to empower clients with pro-active physio-health practices that can protect the body from future injury.
Book A Physiotherapy for Shoulder Pain Appointment
Share your information and request your appointment with a click of a button
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR DIFFERENT STAGES OF SHOULDER PAIN
Physiotherapy can be helpful for patients at different stages of their shoulder pains. Early intervention is very important in preventing conditions like frozen shoulders or periarteritis from progressing. People who may benefit from physiotherapy include those suffering from:
- Acute Injuries: Physiotherapy immediately after experiencing shoulder injuries such as strains or sprains is an effective method to manage pain and encourage healing.
- Chronic Pain: A structured program of physiotherapy focusing on functional improvement and pain management can provide relief for individuals with long-standing shoulder pain due to arthritis or tendinitis.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Following rotator cuff repair or a shoulder replacement, physiotherapy is necessary to regain strength, mobility, and function.
- Preventive Care: Physiotherapy should also be provided even when one does not have current shoulder pain but risks are involved (e.g., athletes, manual laborers) to minimize the chances of injuries.
WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER PAIN?
Shoulder pain results from different causes that need varied treatment options due to their specificity. Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:
- Injuries: The shoulder can be hurt due to injuries like fractures, dislocations, or rotator cuff tears. These can be common among people who engage in sports activities, or work situations that require them to lift heavy items, or people who have experienced an accident.
- Overuse: Repetition, especially during overhead activities, leads to conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis. These can result in inflammation which can cause shoulder pain.
- Frozen Shoulder, and Pariarthritis: This condition, also known as adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and aches within the shoulder joint and is usually chronic with loss of range of motion over time.
- Degenerative Conditions: These include ailments such as osteoarthritis which involves the breakdown of cartilage within the shoulder joint causing chronic pain with limited movement ability.
- Referred Pain: As described above, sometimes shoulder pain can be due to an injury in another area of the body. Working with a holistic physiotherapist can help approach the assessment and treatment plan holistically.
Given the different possible causes of shoulder pain, identifying the specific cause is essential in order to develop an effective physiotherapy treatment plan that is best suited for the condition.
ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN RELIEVING SHOULDER PAIN
The approach to relief from shoulder pain through physiotherapy encompasses various techniques that are meant to reduce pain, increase mobility, and restore function. Physiotherapy for shoulder pain is provided by an expert therapist with an individualized physiotherapy treatment plan that is customized to meet the treatment needs of each client’s specific situation. Whether it is an acute injury, like a rotator cuff tear, or a long-term disorder, such as a frozen shoulder, physiotherapists identify the biomechanics concerns that are contributing to the pain and the treatment plan that is needed to shift the pattern through physiotherapy techniques.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HOLISTIC PHYSIOTHERAPY SESSION FOR SHOULDER PAIN?
A typical session of holistic physiotherapy for persons suffering from shoulder pain starts with a comprehensive assessment that aims at identifying the cause source while determining an appropriate treatment plan. The treatment plan is then discussed with the client and, with the client’s approval, treatment can begin. Assessment of progress is done at each session to fine-tune the treatment as needed and continue toward recovery. Consistent treatment then provides gradual improvement in mobility levels and overall functionality of the shoulder joint, together with a reduction in levels of discomfort experienced by patients due to pain.
EFFECTIVENESS OF HOLISTIC PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR SHOULDER PAIN
Research & evidence, together with best clinical practice, show the high effectiveness of physiotherapy in shoulder management. Be it chronic conditions, e.g. frozen shoulders or acute trauma, physiotherapy can result in a remarkable decrease in pain levels, improved functioning, as well as a better quality of life. Regular visits for physiotherapy can help patients avoid future episodes of shoulder problems or their recurrence at the minimum level possible.