Shoulder Pain

How does the Shoulder joint work?

It’s easier to understand why shoulder pain occurs when you have an understanding of how the shoulder joint works. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. The round end of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shallow socket (glenoid) on the shoulder blade (scapula). There is also a smaller joint (the acromioclavicular joint) where the top of the shoulder blade joins the collarbone. The shoulder joint is designed to give a large amount of movement. There are various structures that help to keep the joint in position: ligaments, muscles and a joint capsule.

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder joint is the most complex joint in the body. As the joint is so flexible and important, it can be prone to different types of injuries.  Shoulder pain is very common and can be caused by injury, repetitive activities, occupation, posture or can sometimes occur without a known cause. Shoulder problems can generally improve in a relatively short period of time and with simple treatments. In most cases you won’t even need to see your doctor or require an x-ray or scan.

When should you see a doctor?

Unless you have a traumatic injury or experience sudden and continuing pain, there is no need to see your doctor straight away. If your pain is not improving after about 2 weeks, then you should see your doctor or a physiotherapist. You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you:

• Have noticed any unusual lump or swelling around the neck, shoulder or arm
• Have hot, red skin in the area of the pain, have a fever or are starting to feel unwell since your shoulder pain started.
• Had an injury to the shoulder that has led to your shoulder to change shape or appearance.
• Have pain that is not improving despite taking over the counter pain medication and doing the recommended exercises.

What can you do to help yourself

There are several ways that you can help yourself when you experience shoulder pain. Most conditions improve within a couple of weeks.

• Pain medication and or anti-inflammatory tablets or creams can help to reduce the pain in the short term. Your GP or pharmacist can advice you on what to take.
• Ice or heat treatment. Ice can help if your shoulder is inflamed (warm to touch), heat can help if you struggle with a stiff shoulder.
• Change how you use your arm by avoiding the activities that brings the pain on. This could allow the irritated structures to settle down.
• It is important to keep moving and to use the painful shoulder within a comfortable range of movement. Keeping your arm mobile helps prevent stiffness and improves circulation.
• Try to maintain good posture most of the time. This could reduce the strain on the shoulder muscles.

What treatments are there for shoulder pain?

If your shoulder pain does not improve with the self-help advice given above, then there are other treatment options available to help you.

• Most shoulder problems will benefit from physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can perform an assessment and put a treatment plan together tailored for your needs.
• Shockwave therapy has shown to benefit some chronic shoulder conditions
• Steroid injections can improve many shoulder problems. The injection reduces inflammation which reduce pain and allows you to move your shoulder more comfortable.
• Most shoulder problems improve without the need of surgery. But some conditions can be helped by surgery.