top of page

Shoulder & arm pain

 

The shoulder is a common site for muscle and joint pain, this is because it is a remarkably complex joint that is affected by spinal posture, work habits and training. Below is a brief description of some commonly presenting shoudler conditions that may help you to identify your problem (don't worry if its not there, there are many others):

 

Frozen shoulder: Stiffness in the shoulder that is highly uncomfortable, particularly at night. This condition may follow shoulder injury or may develop over weeks for no apparent reason. Untreated, it may well linger for a considerably long time - years in some cases. 

 

Rotator cuff tear: Sudden pain in the deep muscles of the shoulder, caused by a muscle strain.

 

Rotator cuff or Bicipital tendonitis: Probably the most common shoulder complaints. Gradually worsening pain in the deep tendons of the shoulder, usually associated with increased shoulder use, but in some cases there is no obvious cause.

 

Impingement: Similar to rotator cuff tendonitis in many ways, the soft tissues of the shoulder are repeatedly pinched and become increasingly irritated.

 

Acromioclavicular strain: Usually caused by a fall or shoulder trauma. The pain is on the top of the shoulder and may radiate into the arm.

 

'Trapped Nerve' : In fact, pain from a 'trapped nerve' in the shoulder is often coming from the neck. There may be stiffness in the neck or shoulder and pain on lifting. It can be very difficult to find a comfortable position. 

 

In the elbow, wrist and hand, the most commonly seen causes of pain are forms of tendonitis, epicondylitis (golfer's and tennis elbow), osteoarthritis, and nerve irritation (carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome). An osteopath can perform an detailed examination of the shoulder, arm and hand to identify the condition and to see if there is any restriction of function which is preventing it from working as well (and painlessly) as possible.

 

The list goes on...Please get in touch if you have any symptoms around the shoulder and arm that are of concern to you.

​

 

bottom of page