Shoulder pain treatment in Cheltenham

adhesive capsulitis

Also known as a frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis is when the shoulder loses a large range of movement and becomes very painful and stiff. The tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and painful which prevents movement of the shoulder and, in some cases, prevents movement altogether.

The exact reason why a frozen shoulder develops is unknown. They tend to occur in the middle-aged or older people and are believed to result from irritation of the shoulder joint and its surrounding capsule. Irritation to the shoulder joint capsule causes an inflammatory response with the formation of adhesions, or small scars, between folds of the capsule.

Frozen shoulder treatment may involve the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching, strengthening and range of movement exercises. Occasionally, if these measures do not provide relief, referral for an injection into the shoulder joint may be appropriate. Other physiotherapy options include Postural Realignment, Ergonomic Assessment, Acupuncture, Taping and Soft Tissue Treatment, pain reduction takes 6 weeks to 3 months, the stiff phase takes 3-9 months, with full recovery taking 6-12 months.

Labral tear

A labral tear is a tear to the labrum which can occur as a result of trauma to the shoulder. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) where it meets the shoulder. This is to make the ball and socket joint more stable and allows the shoulder to achieve a greater range of movement.

Physiotherapy can be a useful treatment and can prevent the need for surgery. There are three types of labral tears:

• SLAP Tear – This is a tear at the top of the labrum.
• Bankart Lesion – This is a tear at the front of the labrum.
• Reverse Bankart Tear – This is a tear at the back of the labrum.

Treatment can involve resting the shoulder, usually with the help of a sling, with movement gradually increased under a physiotherapist. Strengthening of the shoulder can then also be gradually increased and should focus on the muscles collectively called the rotator cuff. Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade and in the arm may also help to provide stability to your shoulder after a labrum tear, short-term pain reduction in 3-6 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 8-12 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.

Rotator cuff tear

The rotator cuff refers to a group of four small muscles that run from the shoulder blade to the top of the arm bone. They support and move the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear refers to a tear in one or more of these muscles. Physiotherapy can effectively treat rotator cuff tears.

A tear of the rotator cuff is usually felt as sudden sharp pain or ‘twinge’ in the shoulder. A person with minor tears may be able to continue with this pain with minimal hindrance. However, as the muscle cools down the pain often gradually worsens as bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle takes place. In severe tears, pain may be so significant that you are unable to continue participating. Other symptoms include reduced range of movement, stiffness, weakness, and joint clicking.

Rotator cuff pain treatment often involves activity modification, and the use of soft tissue treatment such as massage, stretching, and a series of specific, progressive strengthening exercises. Other treatments include, Taping, Postural Realignment, Sports Injury Rehab, Ergonomic Assessment, short-term pain reduction in 3-6 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 8-12 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.

shoulder impingement

Impingement syndrome or Tendonitis is when the tendons of the muscles in the shoulder become irritated and swollen as they pass through a narrow passage called the subacromial space. The first symptoms of impingement can be mild.

Symptoms can get worse over time. Initial symptoms include reduced range of movement, swelling/ inflammation, stiffness, weakness, joint clicking, joint locking.

Impingement can be caused by overuse of the shoulder, especially repetitive overhead activities of lifting and throwing. Shoulder impingement can also be caused by muscle imbalance of the shoulder.

Physiotherapy may involve activity modification, and relative rest. Shoulder tendonitis treatment may focus on pain reduction, stretching and strengthening of weak muscle groups to allow pain free life and sport, short-term pain reduction in 2-4 weeks, noticeable improvement takes 6-8 weeks, but a full recovery usually takes 8-12 weeks.