Shoulder pain is a common ailment that affects many people, and can be caused by a variety of factors. As a physiotherapist, I have seen firsthand how debilitating it can be and how it can impact a person's quality of life. Whether you're an athlete, a manual laborer, or just someone who is experiencing occasional discomfort, shoulder pain is something that should not be ignored. In this blog, we will explore some of the potential diagnosis for shoulder pain. With the right diagnosis, we can develop an indivual treatment plan, to help you regain mobility, strength and live a pain-free life.
Potential causes of shoulder pain (Some of them)
Rotator cuff tears: Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, and can occur due to overuse or injury. These tears can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Rotator cuff tendinitis/tendinosis/tendinopathy: This is an inflammation or degeneration of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
AC joint osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Gleno-humeral joint osteoarthritis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the shoulder joint and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint, and a tear in this tissue can cause pain and instability in the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes thick and stiff, leading to limited range of motion and pain.
Trapped nerve: A trapped nerve in the shoulder can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder and arm.
Brachial plexus injuries: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that run from the spinal cord to the shoulder, and an injury to these nerves can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and arm.
Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction. This can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
Calcific tendinitis: Calcific tendinitis is a condition in which calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and limited range of motion.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition in which the nerves or blood vessels in the shoulder become compressed, leading to pain and weakness.
Referred pain: Shoulder pain can also be referred from another area of the body, such as the neck or spine, and may present as a dull ache or sharp pain.
Visceral pain: Shoulder pain can be referred from your organs such as your gallbladder and liver, these can present as pain in the right shoulder.
Cancer/Tumors: Pancoast Tumor is a tumor of the upper lung and can present as shoulder pain. Cancer can also metastasize (spread) into different joint of the body, like your shoulder. The most common cancers to spread are lung, breast and prostate, although many other types of cancer spread.
As you can see, this is only a some of the different causes of shoulder pain (there are alot more). Most tend to cause pain, some degree of stiffness and weakness. This is way it is important to to get a proper diagnosis should be made to give you the best treatment plan to get out of pain.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, I have to conduct a physical examination, and ask about the patient's medical history, symptoms and activity level. Treatment options will vary depending on the diagnosis, but may include an exercise program, manual therapy, medications, injections and in some cases, surgery.
Don't let shoulder pain continue to limit your mobility and quality of life. Take action now and book in to determine the cause of your shoulder pain and to develop an effective treatment plan. Remember early detection and prompt treatment can greatly improve the chances of a successful outcome. Don't hesitate, schedule an appointment today HERE!!
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