This page describes 3 of the most common shoulder injuries that we see in our clinics. These injuries can be sustained in a number of ways, from sporting injuries, to trips/falls or as a result of biomechanical abnormalities. Please have a read through the conditions listed and if you have any concerns that you may be suffering with any of the symptoms described, or anything that sounds similar, then please give one of our clinics a call to arrange an assessment appointment with no obligation for follow-up.

Torn Rotator cuff

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles, with the primary role to provide dynamic stability to the shoulder joint. Injuries to this region usually arise from sudden twisting, tugging or pulling movements of the arm.

Risk Factors:

Muscle imbalance around the shoulder and altered posture due to pain, leading to other related conditions.

Signs and Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are pain which usually occurs in the deltoid area. If a tear is quite severe weakness can also be a sign of disruption within the rotator cuff. Although there are many tests to ‘rule in’ rotator cuff damage, the only way to accurately diagnose is through diagnostic imaging (MRI scan).

Treatment:

• Rest
• Ice
• Mobility
• A phased exercise plan
• Ultrasound
• Corticosteroid injection
• Manual therapy
• Surgery

Risk Factors:

Frozen shoulder is a self-limiting condition, but the longevity of symptoms can range from months to years depending on nature and cause.

Signs and Symptoms:

Stage one: “freezing” is characterised by a gradual increase in pain, lasting up to nine months.

Stage two: Characterised by the shoulder feeling “frozen” along with pain. Stiffness within the joint is now a problem and often presents with a ‘capsular pattern’ where the amount of movement available in the lateral rotation, abduction and medial rotation ranges decreases.

Treatment:

• General mobility
• Aggravation avoidance
• Pendular exercises
• Manual therapy

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a fairly common syndrome which presents as pain and perceived weakness when lifting the arm (normally) above shoulder height. This is caused by one of the tendons (or bursa) catching under the outer part of the collar bone in what is called the sub-acromial space

Risk Factors:

Chronic tendon inflammation/degeneration

Muscle imbalance within the shoulder complex

Everyday activities becoming painful

Signs and Symptoms:

Pain with overhead use and sometimes abnormal weakness can be an indicating factor.

Treatment:

• Aggravation avoidance
• Mobility within the pain free range
• Stretching
• Exercise
• Manual therapy
• Ultrasound