SHOULDER & ARM PROBLEMS - The Facts

Shoulder pain is a symptom rather than a condition in itself. Shoulder disorders are the most common causes of shoulder pain.Examples of shoulder pain might be:

• frozen shoulder – where a period of pain is often experienced first followed a noticeable reduction in movement the joint as the pain resolves, this stiffness can sometimes prevent movement in the shoulder altogether.
• rotator cuff disorders – the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to keep it stable . These tendons can become inflamed (tendinitis) or the bursa – (a small, fluid-filled sac that is usually found over the joints and between tendons and bones) can become inflamed, known as a bursitis, or a tendon can tear.
• shoulder instability – where the shoulder is unstable and has an unusually large range of movement (hypermobility). May occur with or without a trauma, but generally occurring in the under 35 age group
  
• acromioclavicular joint disorders – conditions that affect the acromioclavicular joint, which is the joint at the top of the shoulder. The ligaments in your acromioclavicular joint can torn or stretched or there is a possibility of the joint being dislocated.
  

How common are shoulder disorders?

About 3 in 10 adults are affected by these types of conditions at any one time. Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff disorders are most common in middle-aged and older people. Shoulder instability and acromioclavicular joint disorders tend to affect younger people, particularly men who play certain sports with either a repetitive shoulder action, for example: throwing, or contact sports such as rugby where the person is more likely to fall onto the shoulder.

Outlook
Shoulder pain can be a long-term problem. Up to 50% of people still have symptoms after 18 months.

Treatment options are available include:

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• painkillers – such a paracetamol  or anti-inflammatory medication
• manual therapy (osteopathy, and physiotherapy) – where physical methods, such as massage and manipulation, are used to promote healing
• injections of corticosteroids – corticosteroids are a type of medication that is designed to reduce inflammation 
• surgery (in some cases)

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Self-care advice

• avoidance of activities that makes it worse
• use of ice if very inflamed, used for acute or recent injury (within the last 48 hours),
• or heat packs should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area. Use heat treatments for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries, before participating in activities.

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Content by Jane Morris - connect with me on Google+

Osteopathy  |  Cranial Osteopathy  |  Physiotherapy  |  Acupuncture  |  Chiropody  |  Alexander Technique  |  Pilates