Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint provides the most movement of any joint in the body. This leads to it being one of the more commonly injured joints in the body, due to several areas of instability. Movements that can occur at the shoulder joint include, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation and external rotation.
Due to the Range of motion of the shoulder, injuries can arise from almost any movements. The shoulder capsule is surrounded and acted upon by the strong rotator cuff muscles, which can all be injured and cause significant pain and disability. These muscles also encompass the movements of the shoulder blade, which gives increased movement to the shoulder.
A full orthopaedic shoulder exam should include biomechanics of the scapula and thoracic spine. This will assess which structures are injured and the degree or grading of the injury. This process is important in determining the prognosis of the condition, and offering shoulder pain relief.
Causes of shoulder pain
- Fall on to out stretched hand
- Impact injuries on point of shoulder
- repeated overhead movements (tennis players)
- stretching shoulder beyond its structural limits
- poor exercise technique
Common symptoms experienced with shoulder pain
- Sharp pain deep in shoulder
- Catching, popping or locking in shoulder joint
- Weakness in normal movements or activities
- Swelling around the joint or upper arm
- Pain at night
Common conditions causing Shoulder Pain
- SLAP lesion
- Rotator cuff muscle tear
- Rotator cuff muscle sprain/strain
- Sub-acromial Impingement syndrome
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Fractured clavicle
How shoulder pain affects your lifestyle
- Cannot participate in sports or exercise
- Disturbed sleeping patterns
- Cannot lift simple light loads
- Overuse of opposite arm causing compensative pain
