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What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the shoulder area, which includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints that surround the shoulder joint. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may affect one or both shoulders.
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Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can present in various forms, ranging from a persistent dull ache to sudden, sharp stabbing sensations. This discomfort is often coupled with a feeling of stiffness, which can make moving the shoulder difficult and uncomfortable.
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Common Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Pain: Dull, achy, or sharp pain in the shoulder joint or surrounding areas.
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Stiffness: Difficulty moving the shoulder, especially when trying to raise the arm or rotate it.
Swelling: Visible swelling or inflammation around the shoulder joint.
Weakness: Reduced strength in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or lift objects.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder through its full range of motion, such as reaching overhead or behind the back.
Instability: Feeling of looseness or instability in the shoulder joint, as if it might "pop out."
Tenderness: Pain or discomfort when touching or pressing on specific areas of the shoulder.
Pain at Rest: Discomfort that persists even when not moving the shoulder, which can affect sleep or rest.
Radiating Pain: Pain that extends from the shoulder down the arm or up into the neck.
These are some of the common symptoms associated with shoulder pain, but it's essential to note that experiences vary, and additional symptoms may be present depending on the underlying cause of the pain. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms you can contact us here at the LBPC
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Why does your Shoulder Hurt?
Shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, including rotator cuff injuries caused by overuse or trauma, impingement syndrome from repetitive overhead activities, and frozen shoulder characterised by stiffness and reduced mobility. Other common causes include shoulder arthritis, dislocation, bursitis, tendonitis, fractures, and referred pain from nearby structures like the neck or heart. Muscle strains and sprains can also contribute to shoulder discomfort.
Shoulder pain can stem from various conditions, each requiring specific treatment approaches. A precise diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause. At the LBPC, our expert physiotherapists specialise in identifying the source of your pain. Once diagnosed, we create personalised treatment plans aimed at alleviating discomfort and restoring your quality of life.
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Types of Shoulder Pain
While this is not an exhaustive list, these are the 4 most common types of shoulder pain that we see at the LBPC and our team is highly experienced in treating them.
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Rotator Cuff Tear
Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder Dislocation
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How can we Help You?
At the LBPC, our dedicated physiotherapists are here to help you manage and alleviate your shoulder pain with care and expertise. We understand how shoulder pain can limit your movement and disrupt your daily life, and we are committed to helping you find relief and restore your mobility.
Our approach includes:
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Manual Therapy: Skilled hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve joint function, and enhance the range of motion in your shoulder, allowing you to move more comfortably.
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Targeted Exercises: Customised exercise programmes designed to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder, improve flexibility, and restore your ability to perform everyday tasks with confidence.
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Postural and Ergonomic Advice: Personalised guidance on proper posture and movement patterns to reduce strain on your shoulder and prevent future discomfort.
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Pain Management Strategies: Utilising treatments such as ultrasound and heat/cold therapy to effectively reduce pain and inflammation, supporting your recovery.
Our goal is to support your healing journey, prevent further shoulder issues, and enhance your overall function and well-being. Whether your shoulder pain is due to an acute injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, our dedicated team at LBPC is here to guide you every step of the way. We are committed to helping you move better, feel better, and get back to enjoying your life without pain.