Shoulder Pain: Unlocking the Causes and Finding Relief with Osteopathy
Shoulder pain is an exceptionally common complaint that can turn simple daily activities—like reaching for a cup, getting dressed, or even sleeping—into painful challenges. The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, but this great range of motion also makes it susceptible to a variety of problems.
Osteopathy offers a unique perspective on shoulder pain. We look beyond the immediate site of discomfort to understand how your neck, upper back, and overall posture contribute to the problem, providing a path to lasting relief.
Key Facts About Shoulder Pain
High Prevalence: Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, with a significant portion of the population experiencing it at some point in their lives.
Impact of Posture: Prolonged poor posture, especially from desk work and phone use, is a major contributing factor to many types of shoulder pain.
A Complex Joint: The shoulder's stability comes from a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments (the rotator cuff), rather than a deep bony socket, making it prone to strain.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Understanding the source of your pain is the first step toward effective treatment. Common causes include:
Rotator Cuff Disorders: This is the most common cause. It can range from tendinopathy (inflammation or degeneration of the tendons) to a partial or complete tear, often causing pain with overhead activities and at night.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition characterised by a progressive stiffening and painful loss of movement in the shoulder joint. It often occurs in stages over many months.
Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or "impinged" during arm elevation, often due to muscle imbalances, bony changes, or poor mechanics.
Referred Pain: Pain that is felt in the shoulder but originates from a problem elsewhere. This is very common with issues in the neck (cervical spine), where irritated nerves can refer pain directly to the shoulder blade and joint.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and crepitus (a grinding sensation).
Muscle Strains and Instability: Overuse or injury can strain the muscles around the shoulder, while generalised ligament laxity can lead to a feeling of the shoulder being unstable or "slipping."
How Can Osteopathy Help with Shoulder Pain?
Osteopathic treatment for shoulder pain is holistic. We don't just focus on the painful shoulder; we assess the entire musculoskeletal system to identify the underlying reasons for the dysfunction.
During your initial consultation, we will:
Take a detailed history to understand how your pain started, what aggravates it, and how it affects your life.
Perform a thorough physical examination of your shoulder, assessing its range of motion, strength, and stability.
Conduct a postural and spinal assessment of your neck (cervical spine) and upper back (thoracic spine), as restrictions here are frequently linked to shoulder pain.
This comprehensive approach allows us to create a tailored treatment plan.
What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?
Using a range of gentle, hands-on techniques, we aim to:
Reduce Pain and Muscle Tension: Soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and stretching are used to relax the tight muscles of the shoulder, neck, and upper back.
Improve Joint Mobility: Gentle articulation and mobilisation techniques can help restore normal, pain-free movement to the shoulder joint itself, as well as to the joints of the neck and upper back that are crucial for healthy shoulder function.
Address Nerve Irritation: If your shoulder pain is referred from your neck, we use specific techniques to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
Correct Biomechanical Imbalances: We work to improve the function and coordination of the shoulder blade (scapula) and the surrounding muscles to ensure smooth, stable movement.
Provide Personalised Rehabilitation and Advice: You will receive guidance on specific exercises to strengthen weakened muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture, along with advice on activity modification and ergonomics.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While most shoulder pain is musculoskeletal, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Please consult your GP or seek urgent care if your shoulder pain is accompanied by any of the following:
A history of significant trauma, such as a fall or direct blow, especially if accompanied by a visible deformity.
Sudden, severe pain and an inability to move the shoulder.
Significant weakness or numbness that travels down the arm into the hand.
Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, warmth, or swelling around the joint.
Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Shoulder
Living with shoulder pain can be debilitating and frustrating. Osteopathy provides a safe, effective, and drug-free approach to not only alleviating your pain but also addressing the root causes to ensure a full recovery and prevent future issues.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths. Let us help you regain your freedom of movement.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020). Musculoskeletal conditions. [Link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions]
*Littlewood C, May S, Walters S. (2013). Epidemiology of rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review. Shoulder & Elbow, 5(4), 256-265. [Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/sae.12028]*
*Kelley MJ, Shaffer MA, Kuhn JE, et al. (2013). Shoulder pain and mobility deficits: adhesive capsulitis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(5), A1-A31. [Link: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2013.0302]*
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner, such as your General Practitioner (GP) or osteopath, for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. The information provided is based on the best available evidence at the time of publication but should not be relied upon as a sole source of information. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary based on the individual’s specific condition and response to care.