Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain and usually presents with shoulder tip or anterior shoulder pain. It is common in people that perform a lot of repetitive overhead activities (painters, carpenters etc) or in athletes (basketballers, netballers etc).

Why does it happen?

The rotator cuff is a common name for a group of 4 muscles that provide stability and strength to the shoulder during movements. Rotator cuff tendinopathy can occur from trauma but more often it is a combination of overuse, overload and muscle imbalances.

Some other risk factors include:

• Old age

• Heavy work/lifting

• Working/exercising in awkward positions

• Repetitive arm movements

• Working with hands above shoulder level

• Poor biomechanics

• Poor flexibility

A few tips to help with the pain

1. Ice

Ice is great in reducing any inflammation that is involved with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Apply ice or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your shoulder for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours as needed.

2. Rest

Avoid using the arm to lift or carry heavy load, especially overhead.

3. Avoid sleeping on your painful shoulder

Sleeping on your painful shoulder can makes this worse because you will be compressing the joint and cause further irritation to the surrounding structures.

How can a Physiotherapist help?

Controlling symptoms is the first step of managing your shoulder pain. The next step is to understand the cause of problem and what structures may be involved. This is done through observing and assessing:

• Scapulohumeral rhythm shoulder blade movement/control

• Muscle bulk lack or decrease in muscle strength

• Flexibility tightness in muscles

• Range of movement lack or restrictions on movement

Depending on the issues that may be present, different interventions may be required. Some examples of these are:

• Manual techniques - Dry needling, massage, trigger point release

• Taping - rigid or k-taping

• Strengthening and stretching program

• Motor control exercises

If we can help you with any of your shoulder aches or pains, please feel free to contact us:

Phone: 9553 8145
Website: www.eqphysio.com.au
Or if you're in the area, drop on by and have a chat with us to see if we can help in any way. We're located at 1/45 Montgomery St, Kogarah NSW 2217.