Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint is a mobile ball and socket joint (glenohumeral joint) with associated joints formed by the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). Muscles surrounding the joint stabilise the joint and commonly referred to as the ‘rotator cuff’ muscles. Due to the shoulder’s reduced stability it is quite susceptible to injury.
The most common presentation of shoulder pain is referred to as ‘impingement syndrome,’ where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through a small space between the shoulder and the shoulder blade. It can be associated with inflammation (tendinitis) or bursitis. This complaint is often related to overuse activity such as swimming or throwing sports, and is also common in people over 50 years of age. Early treatment at BOC can help reduce your recovery time. Your osteopath will also provide you with self management advice, which may include avoiding activities which may aggravate your symptoms and the application of ice to reduce inflammation.
Treatment at BOC may include soft tissue and muscle lengthening techniques, joint mobilisation and the treatment of associated structures including your neck and elbow joints. Your osteopath may also give you advice on your ergonomics and or exercises that may prevent recurrence of your complaint.
There are many other common shoulder injuries which your osteopath will be able assess and treat.