Do you suffer from shoulder pain?

The prevalence of shoulder pain is exactly the same as that of neck pain at 66% of the population (Reference #1). The only pain that is more common than that of neck and shoulder pain is low back pain (Reference #1).

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The high prevalence is due to the high mobility of the shoulder, which sacrifices stability (Reference #2). This, coupled with increasingly poor posture control due to computers and mobile phone use, is suspected to be the cause for an increased occurrence of shoulder pain.

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Shoulder injuries can include :(Reference #2)

• Rotator cuff strains/tendonitis/tendonosis
• Rotator cuff impingement syndrome
• Sub acromial bursitis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Acromioclavicular joint sprains
• Post-operative shoulder conditions

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If you find that any of the following apply to you, please contact us or your GP:

• No reason for pain
• Associated jaw pain
• Associated trouble speaking, facial droop or poor balance
• Pain is unremitting and nothing allows the pain to decrease

What we may do

An osteopathic appointment at Muna will consist of:

1. History: This will include questions on your past medical history, diet, mode of injury, post injury history (returning to work, etc.) and any subsequent treatment or exercise prescription that may be relevant.
2. Assessment and Examination: This will consist of orthopaedic testing, testing of range of motion and tissue quality, functional movement limitations, as well as any pain disability questionnaires that may be relevant.
3. Treatment: The extent and types of treatment that may occur during your consult will vary greatly depending on the cause of your shoulder injury. As such, the aim may be to:
4. Improve range of motion and mobility of joints within your neck, shoulders, ribs, and spine.
5. Decrease compression or irritation of nerves.
6. Decrease muscular strain and tension that could be affecting posture and shoulder biomechanics.
7. Provide specific stretching and strengthening exercises or rehabilitation programs.
8. Provide advice for posture control, symptomatic relief, such as ice/heat application, avoidance of specific activities, methods of sleeping, etc.

If we feel your condition needs further attention, then we may refer you to your GP or a specialist.

What you can do

• If the shoulder was injured while playing sports or working, please follow the RICER acronym (for more information, please click here) (Reference #3)
• Don’t attempt to force yourself to continue performing the function that caused the current injury

References:

1.  https://www.mja.com.au/system/files/issues/188_01_070108/awe10534_fm.pdf
2.  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Shoulder-pain
3.  http://www.tmphysio.com/resources/ricer-for-soft-tissue-injuries/

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