When your shoulder’s in pain, it has the ability to impact your entire lifestyle.
Does it hurt to reach up and wash your hair? Do you need help grabbing something from the top shelf? Is your shoulder pain keeping you from exercising to your fullest ability?
Well, you’re not alone. Shoulder pain is a common complaint for Australians of all ages. As you get older, however, the likelihood of developing shoulder problems gets higher and higher.
What makes these injuries especially frustrating is the fact that we rely on our shoulders for countless daily tasks and activities. It isn’t just exercising that gets impacted — it’s working, showering, dressing, reaching, and plenty of other tasks that we never even have to think about when our shoulders are in order. Even mild pain may become debilitating when left unaddressed and untreated.
The shoulder joint heavily relies on its intricate structures to function, with ligaments and muscles needed to be in full working order to remain stable. We also use our shoulders for a lot of manual labour and heavy lifting in our lives, even without realising. This may lead to tears, injuries, and damage to areas like the rotator cuff and the scapula muscles.
Many people may develop tears in their muscles as they grow older, and it isn’t always the result of a drastic injury. However, the common nature of shoulder injuries doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t worry about them. If you try to ignore ongoing shoulder pains, you risk allowing them to transform into something much worse.
Common shoulder injuries and conditions include:
There are many causes that may be behind your shoulder pain. This means that the set of symptoms you experience is unique, and your shoulder problems may feel nothing like somebody else’s. The specific area in which you feel the most pain and the triggers that set off your pain can vary significantly depending on your actual injury.
Here are just some of the common symptoms to look out for:
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to book an appointment with a local physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy for shoulder pain has one clear goal. Your physio aims to work toward addressing pain and reducing inflammation, but treatment may also be designed to limit the likelihood of having your injury recur again in the future. The specifics of your physiotherapy treatment may involve various different techniques, advice, and personalised goals. Your physiotherapist will work with you at every step, monitoring your mobility improvement and working toward improving your daily comfort.
Here are some of the physiotherapy treatments you may receive at Powerhouse Physiotherapy:
What is the rotator cuff?
When discussing shoulder pain, the term ‘rotator cuff’ is bound to come up often. This refers to a group of four muscles that help keep the bone of the arm connected to the shoulder joint, providing crucial support to shoulder function. With sudden trauma or overuse, a rotator cuff injury may occur.
When should I see a physio for shoulder pain?
There is no minimum amount of pain that ‘allows’ you to visit a physiotherapist. If you have shoulder pain that lasts more than a few days or is so severe that it limits your daily activity, it is best to book a physiotherapy appointment as soon as you can.
What exercises can help with shoulder pain?
When exercising your shoulder, there is a fine line between rebuilding strength and risking further damage. You should visit a physiotherapist in order to receive comprehensive advice regarding what exercises may help ease your pain without causing more severe pain.
Can shoulder problems cause numbness and tingling?
It is possible to experience tingling or numbness as a symptom of shoulder pain. Shoulder conditions may impact your nerves, possibly causing a ripple effect throughout your body and possibly leading to tingling in your arm or fingers. If you are experiencing symptoms such as these, you should book an assessment immediately to check for nerve damage.
Canberra Clinic
Great care should be accessible. The Powerhouse Physiotherapy clinic services patients across Canberra and our local communities, standing as a trusted resource for countless individuals and families in the area. Why travel far
Tailored Approach to Care
You deserve treatment that is personalised to your unique needs. No two people are the same! At Powerhouse Physiotherapy, our team works hard to tailor custom treatment plans that best serve your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Passion for Active Living
At the heart of our clinic is a passion for helping people build healthy, active lifestyles. We work with countless athletes and people who love keeping themselves healthy and energised. Our services are designed to help you recover and rebuild a long, healthy future wherever possible.
Visiting a physiotherapist may help you better understand your shoulder pain, find an underlying diagnosis, and learn how to protect yourself and your health for many years to come. With Powerhouse Physiotherapy, treatment may be right around the corner. Book an appointment today to address your shoulder pain with a local physio, and let’s start walking the road to rehabilitation together.