We never give our shoulders the credit they deserve. It isn’t until you’re suddenly faced with shoulder pain that you realise just how crucial your shoulders are for everyday activities. Bad shoulder pain can make tasks like driving, reaching for the top shelve, or washing your hair extremely uncomfortable. But what is the difference between shoulder pain you can wait out and pain that needs the attention of a physiotherapist?
In this blog, we’re going to dive into what shoulder pain is and how a physiotherapist can help. Continue reading to learn more about what could be behind your pain, and when it may be time to book a physio appointment.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic today.
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Shoulder pain can manifest in a variety of different ways. Every patient is different, and the symptoms they present can sometimes feel completely different as well. Shoulder pain is typically felt in the front of the shoulder or at the top of the arm. It is common for the pain to be primarily felt when moving the arm in a particular way, such as reaching up high. Pain can sometimes also radiate further down into the arm or up into the neck. There are many cases where shoulder pain causes discomfort in these other close parts of the body, or when neck pain may simply be a symptom of a condition in the neck or spine.
Here are just a few of the common symptoms associated with shoulder pain:
- Pain when lying down on your side in bed
- Difficulty reaching up
- Stiffness and limited motion
- Pain felt deep in the shoulder joint
- Pins and needles in the shoulder or arm
- Numbness and tingling
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
There are many potential causes of shoulder pain. Severity levels can be anywhere from minor to serious, and there is an endless list of factors that could be influencing your pain. Symptoms may be acute, meaning that they come on suddenly due to a particular injury or incident. Alternatively, they may be chronic, meaning the pain has developed over a long time and is ongoing.
There are cases in which shoulder pain is the result of daily habits or lifestyle factors. People with poor posture are at a higher risk of developing shoulder pain, as are people who spend their days sitting at a desk or carrying heavy items, even just a bag. Overuse and pressure placed on the shoulder can lead to damage over time, making wear and tear one of the biggest causes of pain in the shoulder.
Here are some of the other common causes of shoulder pain:
- Osteoarthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Problems with muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the shoulder
- Nerve damage
- Inflammation of the shoulder capsule
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Weakness of the shoulder muscles
- Rotator cuff tears
Physiotherapy Treatment for Shoulder Pain
So, what can a physiotherapist do to help your shoulder pain?
The specific treatment a physio recommends for you will depend on the severity of your pain, the cause, and the symptoms presented. While pain-relief medication may be able to alleviate some of the immediate pain, working with a physio may be able to help your body heal and better protect you from further damage in the future. This could include treatment methods such as strengthening exercises, massage, joint manipulation, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and much more.
However a physio chooses to treat your pain, it is important to remember to rest your shoulder as well. Take a break from activities and exercises that may make your pain worse. Your physio will be able to provide personalised advice for management techniques you can utilise at home, from ice or heat therapy to prescribed exercises that you can perform independently.
Related Link: How Should I Prepare For My Physio Session
When Should I See a Physio for My Shoulder Pain?
At the end of the day, you have nothing to gain from putting up with your shoulder pain. The short answer is that if you have symptoms that are causing you concern, it is better to be safe than sorry. A physio may be able to help diagnose and treat your condition, or at the very least provide some valuable peace of mind. Other signs that you should book a physiotherapy appointment include:
- If you’ve had a fall or accident and are now feeling shoulder pain
- If your shoulder pain is felt on a regular or daily basis
- If you’re struggling to lift things, reach up high, or move your shoulder
- If your pain is making it hard to sleep
- If you have pain when resting your shoulder
Book an Appointment at NDPE for Shoulder Pain Treatment in West Ryde
Don’t let shoulder pain become a part of your regular life. You deserve to live comfortably, happily, and healthily. Working with a physiotherapist may be able to help your body heal and set you up for a stronger future. Here at Northern Districts Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, we’ve helped people manage countless cases of shoulder pain. Book an appointment with one of our skilled physios today to discuss your pain and build a personalised treatment plan.
