The shoulder complex is a very mobile peripheral joint of the body, which consequently may have compromised stability. Injuries can be the result of direct/indirect trauma, or gradually developing biomechanical lesions. Patients usually only seek help in the very late stages of the injury when their sleep and function is impaired.

Causes of Shoulder Pain:

Referral from the neck

Rotator Cuff Pathology:  The rotator cuff comprises of 4 muscles that work to maintain the position of the humerus (upper arm bone) in the shoulder joint. They are at risk of tendinopathy, impingement, partial or full thickness tear.

Shoulder Joint Dislocation:  Associated with direct or indirect trauma. The presence of a fracture in addition to the dislocation will show up on an x-ray.

AC Joint (joint between the collar bone and the shoulder blade) Dislocation / Subluxation:  Commonly as a result of a fall onto a out-stretched hand or onto the shoulder e.g. during a rugby match

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):  A direct result of trauma that develops over a number of weeks after the traumatic incident, or as a complication after shoulder surgery.

Bursitis, Especially Subacromial Bursitis:  A sack of fluid designed to reduce the friction between soft tissue and bone that gets inflamed due to mechanical irritation or trauma.

Post-Surgery:  BeukesMeyer Physiotherapy Practice commonly deal with rehabilitation after shoulder operations. Post-surgical protocols can vary, and these will be prescribed by the relevant surgeon and adhered to.

Treatments:

•   Biomechanical Assessment
•   Exercise Programme
•   Electrotherapy
•   Ultrasound
•   Acupuncture
•   Mobilisations
•   Manipulation
•   Neural Mobilisation
•   Soft Tissue Therapy