Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Osteopathic Treatment

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact your daily life, limiting your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. As an osteopath, my goal is to help you understand the potential causes of your shoulder pain and provide effective, holistic treatment options to alleviate your discomfort and restore your mobility.

Understand the Shoulder Anatomy

To understand why your shoulder is in pain, it can help to understand the anatomy of the shoulder. The shoulder is a complex joint comprised of several structures:

  • Bones: The humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone).

  • Joints: The main joint is the glenohumeral joint, where the humerus fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula. Other joints include the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the sternoclavicular joint.

  • Muscles and Tendons: The rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) are crucial for shoulder movement and stability.

  • Ligaments: These connective tissues stabilize the shoulder joint.

  • Bursa: Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between the moving parts

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

There any many different causes of shoulder pain.

Symptoms will typically reduce or limit range in the shoulder, making daily activities such as putting on a bra or coat, lifting objects or reaching for objects (such as the top shelf).

We will also feel pain, tenderness or tightness in the shoulder and around the surrounding area. Patients will typically describe this as an ‘elastic band feeling’ which is often a sign of irritation around one of the soft tissue structures of the shoulder.

Weakness in the shoulder or arm can be present.

Swelling or bruising can occasionally happy in the shoulder area.

Clicking or popping sounds during movement with or without pain can be typical.

  1. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff muscles or tendons can cause significant pain and limit the range of motion.

  2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition leads to stiffness and pain due to the thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule.

  3. Shoulder Impingement: Occurs when the shoulder blade exerts pressure on the underlying soft tissues during arm lifting.

  4. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, often resulting from repetitive motion or overuse.

  5. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the shoulder tendons, commonly due to overuse or age-related wear and tear.

  6. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joints, causing pain and stiffness.

  7. Dislocation: When the humerus is forced out of the glenoid cavity, leading to acute pain and instability.

  8. Fractures: Broken bones in the shoulder can result from trauma or falls.

  9. Referred Pain: Pain originating from other areas, such as the neck or upper spine, can radiate to the shoulder.

Osteopathic Approach to Shoulder Pain

Osteopathy is a holistic approach that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing health issues by understanding the body's interconnected systems. Here's how osteopathy can help with shoulder pain:

Assessment

A thorough assessment is the first step in understanding your shoulder pain. This includes:

  • Detailed medical history

  • Physical examination

  • Assessment of posture and gait

  • Range of motion testing

  • Identifying any underlying issues or contributing factors

Treatment Techniques

Osteopathic treatment for shoulder pain may include a combination of the following techniques:

  1. Soft Tissue Manipulation: Techniques such as massage to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.

  2. Joint Mobilization: Gentle movements to improve joint function and reduce stiffness.

  3. Myofascial Release: Techniques to release tightness and improve the function of the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.

  4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Customized exercises to enhance flexibility, strength, and stability of the shoulder.

  5. Postural Education: Guidance on maintaining proper posture to prevent further strain and injury.

  6. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Recommendations on modifications to daily activities to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment

  • Pain relief and reduced inflammation

  • Improved range of motion and flexibility

  • Enhanced muscle strength and joint stability

  • Better posture and alignment

  • Prevention of future injuries

  • Overall improved quality of life

FAQs on Shoulder Pain

  • Signs that shoulder pain may be serious include:

    • Sudden and severe pain

    • Inability to move the shoulder

    • Visible deformity

    • Swelling and significant bruising

    • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

    If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

  • If you injure your shoulder, follow the P.O.L.I.C.E method:

    • Protect -The first step is to protect the injured area to prevent further damage.

    • Optimal Loading - Gradually and carefully loading the injured area with controlled movements

    • Ice - applying ice helps reduce pain and inflammation

    • Compression - helps limit swelling and support the injured area

    • Elevation - elevating the injured area above heart level helps reduce swelling:

  • Diagnosis will typically involve:

    • A detailed medical history review

    • Physical examination

    • Range of motion and strength tests

    • Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to view the shoulder's internal structures

  • Treatment options vary depending on the cause but may include:

    • Rest and activity modification

    • Osteopathic manipulative treatment

    • Physical therapy exercises

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Ice or heat application

    • Corticosteroid injections*

    • *In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

  • Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of the injury.

    Minor injuries may improve within a few weeks, while more severe conditions like rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder can take several months to a year to heal fully.

  • It depends on the cause and severity of your shoulder pain. Low-impact activities that do not exacerbate the pain, such as walking or stationary biking, are generally safe.

    However, avoid activities that strain the shoulder until you have consulted with a healthcare professional.

Stop looking over your shoulder for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, but with the right approach, it is manageable. As an osteopath, I am committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. By addressing the root causes of your shoulder pain and using a range of effective techniques, we can work together to restore your shoulder function and improve your overall well-being.