Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common complaint, which we regularly treat at the Home Physios. The shoulder is a joint known as a ball and socket joint. It is formed by the meeting of the bone in your upper arm (the humerus) and the shoulder blade (the scapula). The shoulder is naturally a shallow joint which allows for a range of movement, but this can leave it vulnerable to injury.
Trauma is an obvious cause of shoulder pain, and it is common for patients to experience problems after having fallen directly onto the shoulder or onto an outstretched hand. Trauma such as this can cause injury to the structure at the shoulder joint. Overloading of the shoulder joint and overuse, particularly with unaccustomed exercise or movements, are also common non-traumatic sources of pain.
Assessment of shoulder pain
Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment to establish the cause of your symptoms. They will ask questions regarding the severity, irritability and nature of your pain. They will also enquire about the history of your condition and the aggravating movements and activities.
A physical examination will include observation of you at rest, examination of your movement and strength and palpation of the shoulder and surrounding muscles. Special orthopaedic tests may also be carried out to test structures at the joint. Information will be collated to make a diagnosis.