The shoulder girdle is a highly complex area of the body. There are 4 joints that make up the shoulder girdle which include the Sternoclavicular joint, the Acromioclavicular joint, The Glenohumeral joint and the Scapulothoracic joint.
Shoulder pain can occur due to acute or traumatic injuries which may include:
sprains, strains or muscle tears, dislocations, and fractures.
In chronic persistent pain, shoulder pain, may be associated with bursitis, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and osteoarthritis.
But just like everywhere else in the body pain is complex and multifactorial. There are many factors that can contribute to a pain experience including activity levels, mood and emotional state, behaviours, and lifestyle factors.
You are probably only considering seeing a health professional about your shoulder pain because it is stopping you from doing something, this may be work, sport, sleep etc.
When pain interferes with our life and the things that we enjoy doing it can impact numerous other factors also such as mood, social interaction, behaviours, exercise etc. Many people with persistent shoulder pain seek out imaging such as MRI scans, corticosteroid injections, pharmaceuticals, and even surgical interventions. In most cases these interventions are unnecessary and can be avoided.
How can we help?
Consultation will provide you with a better idea of potential contributors to pain that will guide your management.
The focus is getting you back to doing things that you enjoy, and this includes the appropriate education and advice with a progressive plan targeted towards your goals.
