Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Exercise

DELTA HEALTHCARE

Park Health Centre

700 Holderness Road

HULL
HU9 3JR
Telephone: 01482 335234

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Out of Hours:  dial  111

SHOULDER PAIN

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

  • Tendinitis:
    • Inflammation of the tendons.
  • Bursitis:
    • Inflammation of the bursae that cushion the shoulder.
  • Tears:
    • Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

  • Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often worsening over time.

3. Shoulder Impingement

  • Occurs when the shoulder blade exerts pressure on the rotator cuff tendons

4. Arthritis:

  • Osteoarthritis:
    • Wear and tear of cartilage in the shoulder joint.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis:
    • An autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the joint lining.

5. Shoulder Dislocation:

  • When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade socket.

6. Labral Tear:

  • Tear of the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket.

7. Fractures:

  • Breaks in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade.

8. Referred Pain:

  • Pain that originates from other areas like the neck or back but is felt in the shoulder.

    Symptoms

    • Pain and tenderness in the shoulder.
    • Stiffness and reduced range of motion.
    • Swelling or bruising.
    • Weakness in the shoulder or arm.
    • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the shoulder.
    • Difficulty performing daily activities.

    Diagnosis

    • Physical Examination: :
      • A doctor will assess the shoulder for pain, swelling, range of motion, and weakness.
    • X-rays: :
      • To check for fractures or arthritis
    • MRI or CT Scan:
      • For detailed images of soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
    • Arthritis::
      • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause elbow pain due to joint inflammation.
    • Ultrasound:
      • To evaluate the condition of the tendons and muscles.
    • Arthroscopy:
      • A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and sometimes treat shoulder joint issues.

    Treatment Options

    Self-Care and Home Remedies

    • Rest:
      • Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
    • Ice and Heat Therapy:
      • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and heat packs to alleviate stiffness.
    • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
      • Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
      • Gentle exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder.

    Medical Treatments:

    • Physical Therapy:
      • Tailored exercises and techniques to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
    • Medications:
      • Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, or medications for underlying conditions like arthritis.
    • Assistive Devices:
      • Using slings or braces to support the shoulder and reduce pressure.
    • Surgery:
      • Required for severe cases, such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, or shoulder replacement.

    Physical Therapy

    • Exercises:
      • Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow.
    • Manual Therapy::
      • Techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Maintain a Healthy Weight:
      • Reduces stress on the shoulder joints.
    • Regular Exercise:
      • Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to keep the shoulder joints flexible and strong.
    • Proper Posture::
      • Maintain good posture to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulders.
    • Avoid Overuse:
      • Modify activities to avoid repetitive stress on the shoulders.

    When to Seek Medical Help

    • Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with self-care.
    • Inability to move the shoulder or bear weight on it.
    • Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever
    • Sudden onset of intense pain or swelling.

    You can usually do things to ease shoulder pain yourself. See a GP if it does not start feeling better after 2 weeks

    Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing shoulder pain.