What is shoulder pain?
The shoulder can be prone to injury, stiffness, frozen shoulder, muscle strain, torn or damaged tendons or ligaments. The shoulder is very adaptable to a wide range of motions in many directions and is the most mobile and versatile joint in the body.
There are three main bones in the shoulder – the shoulder blade (scapula) the collarbone (clavicle) and the arm bone (humerus). The shoulder which is a ball and socket joint is comprised of these three bones.
There are three main bones in the shoulder – the shoulder blade (scapula) the collarbone (clavicle) and the arm bone (humerus). The shoulder which is a ball and socket joint is comprised of these three bones.
Symptoms
Symptoms for shoulder pain or frozen shoulder can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder with any movement of the arm
- Pain may radiate and be felt down along the arm
- The shoulder may become locked in a fixed position, and relief felt only when the shoulder is manoeuvred into another position
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Irritation with even the slightest of movements
- Any injury, damage or trauma which affects the shoulder can lead to chronic pain and discomfort with any movement of the shoulder joint or arm
- Shoulder pain can occur when the tendons, ligaments or muscles in the shoulder become inflamed, strained or over-stretched
- Inflammation or swelling in the joint
- Inflamed tissue due to strained or torn tendons, ligaments or muscles
- Stiffness in the shoulder due to a medical condition such as arthritis or osteoarthritis
- It may be a problem related to damaged or weak muscles controlling the shoulder joint
- It may be a loose chip of bone or cartilage in the tissue of the joint
- Compression (or pinching) on a nerve or nerves exiting from your spine can be a factor in problems in the shoulder
- Bursitis; (Bursitis occurs when bursa becomes inflamed. Bursitis is irritation or inflammation of fluid-filled sacs called bursae situated in the shoulder joint which cushions the bones).
- Shoulder pain can be the result of repetitive strain
- Injury, fracture or sprain
- Toxins in the joint
- Dislocated shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Always start with slow and gentle ‘warm-up exercises’ prior to any physical work or sporting activity
- Applying an ice-pack or heated wheat-pack to the painful area for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times daily may help to reduce levels of inflammation pain and swelling
- Swimming or water aerobics can be a very helpful activity for your overall body
- Exercising in the pool may be beneficial if you cannot swim, as the buoyancy of the water reduces the weight on your joints. This can be beneficial for overall exercise or following any injury of any kind to the physical body
- You may find that a reduction in any strenuous activity may help to improve any pain or discomfort in the shoulder and related muscles
- Choose appropriate footwear for your normal activities or when involved in a particular sport or exercise programme
- Maintain good physical health, strength and flexibility
- As in many cases of injury you may be advised to rest for a number of days or weeks to reduce the risk of further damage, inflammation or injury
- Following a restful period, you may be able to return to exercise, but avoid any activity likely to aggravate the pain or injury
- Protect your shoulder from any further injuries or damage by reducing strenuous or repetitive movements
- Maintain a healthy weight level. If you are carrying excess weight this in itself can put added stress on your joints and limbs
Self-help, self-care & self-healing options
Having received a professional diagnosis and medical attention, you have the choice of applying self-healing techniques which may help to accelerate and hasten the healing process and may also help as a preventative measure against future or further injuries, sprains, strains, cramps or physical discomfort.
Register today and start your self-healing journey straight away!
