Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Over the years, I have successfully helped people with all of the shoulder problems listed below. If you’re looking for an Osteopath in East Grinstead, this article may prove useful to you.

Here are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

1. Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to stabilize and move the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries are common and can range from mild inflammation or strain to a complete tear of one or more of the tendons.

   Causes of rotator cuff injuries can include:

   • Repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights

   • Trauma or injury to the shoulder, such as a fall or direct blow

   • Degeneration of the tendons due to ageing or wear and tear

   Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury can include:

   • Pain and tenderness in the shoulder, especially when reaching overhead or behind the back

   • Weakness in the shoulder or arm

   • Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm

   • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the shoulder

   • Loss of range of motion in the shoulder

   
   Diagnosis of a rotator cuff injury usually involves a physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to determine the extent of the injury.

   Treatment for a rotator cuff injury typically involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a complete tear of the tendon.

   Preventing rotator cuff injuries involves proper technique and form when performing overhead activities, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights. Strengthening exercises for the shoulder muscles and tendons can also help prevent injury.
   

2. Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The exact cause is unknown, but it often occurs after a period of immobilization or in people with certain medical conditions.

3. Bursitis: The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints in your body. Inflammation of the bursa in your shoulder can cause pain and limited range of motion.

4. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

5. Tendinitis: Tendons are the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. Inflammation of the tendons in your shoulder can cause pain and limited range of motion. Several tendons in the shoulder region can cause pain when they become inflamed or injured. These tendons include:

   1. Rotator cuff tendons: The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that attach the muscles of the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. Rotator cuff tendinitis or tears can cause pain in the front, back, or side of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching overhead.

   2. Biceps tendons: The biceps muscle has two tendons that attach to the shoulder joint. Inflammation or tearing of these tendons can cause pain in the front of the shoulder or upper arm, especially when lifting or bending the arm.

   3. Supraspinatus tendon: The supraspinatus muscle and tendon run along the top of the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone. Inflammation or tearing of this tendon can cause pain in the top of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching overhead.

   4. Infraspinatus tendon: The infraspinatus muscle and tendon run along the back of the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone. Inflammation or tearing of this tendon can cause pain in the back of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching behind the back.

   5. Subscapularis tendon: The subscapularis muscle and tendon are located on the front of the shoulder blade and attach to the upper arm bone. Inflammation or tearing of this tendon can cause pain in the front of the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching behind the back.
      
      Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa are pinched or compressed in the shoulder joint, causing pain and limited range of motion.

Over the years I have successfully helped people with all of the shoulder problems listed above.

Come and see me, Cliff Russell, Registered Osteopath with your shoulder pain problem at Osteostudio in Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead.

Book An Appointment Today!