Shoulder Pain Relief

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur due to overuse, repetitive movements or trauma.

The most common symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. People often notice functional limitations affecting daily activities such as dressing and reaching. It is also common to have trouble with overhead movements and lifting objects.

This term describes any condition that affects the tendons, which are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinopathy can include tendonitis, tendinosis, degenerative tearing, and other tendon-related problems or conditions.

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due to overuse, injury, or other factors. In comparison, tendinosis is a chronic condition when the tendon degenerates due to repeated stress or injury. For some, this chronic condition leads to degenerative tearing, when the tendon gradually breaks down and tears over time.

Other tendon-related problems or conditions can include tenosynovitis, in which the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, and tendon ruptures, in which the tendon tears completely.

Our physiotherapists at Physio For Seniors will take a holistic approach to your care, in our clinic or in the comfort of your home, to ensure we address the root cause of any shoulder-related issue.

Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) moves excessively within the socket (shoulder blade) and may be in danger of dislocating. The most common cause of instability is repeated use of the shoulder such as in high velocity throwing, racket sports or swimming without proper centred motion and is associated with hypermobility (excessive ligament laxity). Partial or complete shoulder dislocation happens when the ball moves partially or completely out of the socket, and this is caused mostly by trauma with or without shoulder instability to begin with. As a result of both instability and dislocation, the capsule, ligaments or labrum of the shoulder joint become stretched, torn, or detached.

Labral tears occur when there is an injury to the ring of cartilage in the shoulder joint called the labrum. The labrum normally serves to deepen the socket of the joint, enhancing shoulder stability. Some labral tears can increase the potential for partial or complete shoulder dislocations. Symptoms of a labral tear may include pain and/or catching with specific shoulder movements, a dull throbbing ache, difficulty sleeping, and partial or full shoulder dislocations.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps cushion the joint. Bursitis can occur due to overuse or repetitive movements, leading to pain and swelling around the shoulder joint. One of the most common complaints people report is difficulty with overhead movements and activities, such as lying on the affected shoulder.

Arthritis in the shoulder can be a painful and debilitating condition that affects your daily life. The two most frequent kinds of arthritis that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both result in deterioration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, which makes daily tasks more challenging as the degeneration progresses.

• Osteoarthritis is common in both active and inactive populations. Although most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause, arthritis often develops after a traumatic event and/or repetitive stresses. There is also evidence that a genetic component makes you more susceptible to developing this condition. Regardless of how it starts, it typically leads to the loss of articular cartilage, pain, and inflammation.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to target the inner lining of the shoulder joint called the synovial membrane. This can result in discomfort and inflammation, making it difficult to perform daily activities without pain.

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the bones of the joint. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, especially when reaching sideways and overhead. Functional limitations can affect daily activities such as dressing and reaching.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, often without apparent cause. Symptoms include pain, increasing stiffness and limited range of motion, affecting all shoulder joint movements especially reaching up and behind the back.