Painful Shoulders

Shoulder pain is very common affecting most people at some stage of their lives. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and ultimately the least stabile, making it more prone to injury. However, unless you have had a serious injury or have a sudden and continuous pain, in most cases you can usually treat your shoulder without having to see a GP.

Here are some things you can do to help your shoulder pain

• Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs/gels (NSAIDs). A Pharmacist will be able to advise you with this.
• Ice packs applied to the painful area.
• Heat packs can help allieviate sore and tense muscles.
  
• Posture such as slouching at your desk or rounding your shoulders can make your shoulder problems worse. Change your position frequently. Support your lower back with a rolled towel, cushion or lumbar support to improve your upper body posture.
  
• If your shoulder is painful when you lie down, try lying on your good side with a pillow under your painful arm.
  
• Pacing yourself – rest your shoulder at times, but also keep it moving with exercise.
  
• Avoid any activities that make your shoulder pain worse after you have stopped doing it
  

If you are still no better after 2 weeks , you should see your Doctor or Physiotherapist.

Physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing and treating joint and muscle problems. Often a diagnosis can be made without needing an X-ray or

scan. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your Physiotherapist will perform a thorough examination of your shoulder and

other areas of your body, like your neck, to exclude non-shoulder-related causes of your pain.

Your Physiotherapist may use different treatments such as -

• Bespoke exercises to strengthen weakened muscles, improve their coordination and increase function. We often use exercise Bands, dumbells, gym balls to assist with these
  
• Advice on shoulder, neck and spinal posture
  
• Exercises to improve range of movement and prevent stiffness. We often use a door pulley to assist if your shoulder is really stiff
  
• Tape can be applied to lessen strain on the soft tissues and enhance awareness of the shoulder and shoulder blade position.
• Manual techniques to the joints and soft tissues may be used to increase sense of joint position and body awareness. Manual therapies may also be used to modulate pain and restore movement patterns.
• Laser treatment for pain relief and promoting healing.