Physiotherapy has grown in popularity in recent years due to its myriad benefits. For example, shoulder stiffness, soreness, and pain can be effectively treated with physiotherapy.
A physiotherapist is a licensed and trained professional that will teach patients various exercises in order to not only reduce muscle and joint stiffness, inflammation, and pain, but also accelerate the healing process.
The end goal is to help the patient fully recover without the need for invasive operations or powerful painkillers. The patient will also be taught preventive medicine techniques to stop their problem from reoccurring in the future.
In this article, we will discuss how physiotherapy can be used to easily and naturally treat shoulder pain.
Different Types of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the entire body. It is able to provide nearly 360 degrees of motion across multiple planes under normal conditions. Shoulder pain may often be described as achy or dull.
Achy or dull pain may be caused by a frozen shoulder. People between the ages of 40 and 60 tend to be the most affected. Frozen shoulder usually causes achy pain in the upper arm, as well as in the shoulder region.
A rotator cuff tear may also cause dull or achy pain. A rotator cuff tear may be caused by trauma, such as falling down with great force. As well, rotator cuff tendons may begin to wear down over time, leading to a tear.
Glenohumeral osteoarthritis affects the shoulder joint, and may cause deep pain in the affected joint, as well as the back of the shoulder. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear down, and is a degenerative disorder that should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Radiating pain may be caused by rotator cuff tendinitis. It is produced by overuse of the arm, which is common with swimming and weight lifting. Arthritis may also lead to intense and radiating pain in the acromioclavicular joint, which serves as the joint at the top of the shoulder.
Again, repetitive activities and overuse is the most common cause of acromioclavicular joint arthritis, and may also result in radiating pain in the neck region of the patient.
Burning pain may be caused by subacromial bursitis. When a sac filled with fluid (known as a bursa) becomes irritated and inflamed in your shoulder, then you may develop a burning pain in that area.
A shoulder tear or shoulder impingement may also cause issues. A shoulder tear involves an injury to the soft tissues in the body that are responsible for joint stability and range of motion.
Why does it hurt and what do you feel?
If you feel shoulder pain at night, or if your shoulder feels sore or stiff, then you should visit your doctor. If your arm or shoulder hurts, or if you feel any weakness in your shoulder or arm, then you should also call your doctor.
Being unable to lift your arm over your head, or not move it all, can be very serious and should be investigated promptly by a medical professional.
Any sudden swelling or intense shoulder pain should be treated right away. Additionally, a dislocated shoulder or a shoulder that looks defrormed is another serious cause for concern and requires immediate attention.
Role of a Physiotherapist in Reducing Pain
Physiotherapy has many benefits. It can help manage lung and heart disease, and aid with many age-related disorders. It can also help treat many women’s health issues, and assist people with diabetes to better manage their condition.
In addition to improving mobility and eliminating or reducing pain, physiotherapy can also prevent the need for surgery. Your physical therapist will teach you how to stop falls and ameliorate your balance.
They will also teach you how to prevent sports-related injuries and recover from them if needed. They may use heat and/or ice therapy in order to help reduce your pain. They may utilize an ultrasound to better identify the root cause of your pain.
Stretching, massage, and hands-on therapeutic modalities may be employed. Kinesiology and/or athletic taping may also be used in order to improve your range of motion and help you heal quicker from injuries.
Many strengthening exercises may be administered to boost your core muscle strength in order to help you perform better.
Electrical stimulation, such as TENS, may also be combined with other techniques to help accelerate healing and reduce muscle and joint inflammation. As can be seen, physiotherapy relieves pain in many different ways.
Protect Your Shoulders
Shoulder pain can be caused by a dislocation, sprain, or tear. Certain degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, may also cause shoulder pain. Physiotherapy can decrease shoulder pain by helping repair damaged tissue and by reducing joint and muscle inflammation.
Finally, exercises may also be administered in order to strengthen your joints and muscles, while also boosting your range of motion and balance.
Sources:
Types of Shoulder Sprains, Strains & Tears | NYU Langone Health
Understanding Different Types of Shoulder Pain (sports-health.com)
Basic Anatomy of the Shoulder — ACRO Physical Therapy & Fitness (acropt.com)
