Are you feeling shoulder pain and wondering what to do about it?
The shoulder is a complex joint. There are many structures which are involved in stabilising the shoulder, and therefore, many different injuries can occur.
Did you experience trauma to the shoulder before experiencing the pain?
It is possible that you are aware of what caused your shoulder pain. For example, it may have been due to a fall or over-reaching. Otherwise, it may be non-traumatic which means that the specific way in which you have injured your shoulder is unclear. Either way, we’re here to help!
What is involved in treating the shoulder?
Initially, the physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment of the shoulder as well as the whole body to ascertain the main problems that need to be addressed. The physiotherapist may also try to see if they can improve your pain by altering the way you move your shoulder. As the body is a chain that is all linked, other parts of the body such as the neck and back may need to be treated to achieve optimal results. You may also need to strengthen muscles such as around your hip to help the shoulder function optimally.
Information you provide regarding the history of the injury and your symptoms are very important in the management of the injury. A physiotherapist will work with you to improve your symptoms and function, which is the top priority. Specifically diagnosing a shoulder injury is not the main focus as it will most likely not change or enhance the treatment. It is important however, to rule out conditions such as fractures, dislocations and sinister pathology.
How can you prevent a shoulder injury?
- Listen to your body: If you feel pain, stop and evaluate your movement.
- Avoid over-reaching and straining your muscles. Place your body in an optimal position prior to reaching
- General body strength and control: Staying generally active is important in preventing injuries. A physiotherapist can provide you with an exercise program that assists in optimising function through strength and motor control exercises.
If you have any more questions or would like to book in for an assessment, please contact InnerStrength of Bayside on 8555 4099 or book online.
Written by Maryan Tawfik, Physiotherapist
