Can’t shake that annoying shoulder pain? No trauma and no impact to trace the pain to? It could be Impingement Syndrome of the shoulder.
Since the shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is naturally very mobile, it relies on muscle control for stability. In the absence of appropriate muscle control, the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa become inflamed due to jamming of the shoulder joint. This is often due to repetitive overhead activities, resulting in pain, weakness and reduced mobility of the shoulder. It can impact your life by stopping you from doing what you need to do, or love to do.
But, worry not! There are many Physiotherapy tips and tricks to help manage the pain. Although massage and hands-on-treatment can help reduce pain early on, exercise has the most benefits in the long run. Why? The shoulder joint relies on the shoulder blade muscles and upper back muscles to work effectively for lasting effects. So, it is important to strengthen the rotator cuff, the biceps, the deltoids, and the shoulder blade muscles. It is also important to correct your posture and loosen up the upper back or neck if they are also affected.
While many people turn to cortisone injections for the shoulder, the effect is often short-lived. It is actually the pain medication given alongside the cortisone injection that reduces pain symptoms, not the cortisone itself. So, it is more beneficial to address the root cause through exercise for long term results for Impingement Syndrome of the shoulder.
If you believe you have Impingement Syndrome, book in a free initial assessment with a Physiotherapist at Back in Motion Braybrook. Your Physiotherapist will be able to identify any postural or muscle issues, and give you specific exercises to help achieve your goals.