What is causing my shoulder pain?

SHOULDER PAIN EXPLAINED

ROTATOR CUFF INJURY

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that strengthen and stabilise the shoulder joint as well as provide movement. Due to its role in protecting the shoulder it is the location of the majority of shoulder injuries.

  • Common injuries to weight trainers and other sportsmen
  • Can include tears, micro tears and spasm
  • Pain can be focused over the joint or can spread down into the arm or up into the neck
  • Movements such as raising the arm, lifting weight, or bowling action can provoke pain

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, correctly termed Adhesive Capsulitis, is an injury of the joint capsule/lining directly and muscles indirectly, resulting in limited and painful movement of the shoulder.

  • Most common in women
  • Inability to lift arm with or without help
  • Movement feels locked
  • May be painful or painless

Correct orthopaedic testing can determine the true location and extent of the injury as well as suggest the mechanism of injury. Treatment of the injured muscle by dry needling and corrective training can be highly effective, and further assessment of the neck and upper back can identify biomechanical dysfunctions that may exacerbate or provoke the injury.

Shockwave Therapy: A New Tool in the Treatment of Shoulder Injuries

At ChiroPlus we combine traditional treatments like dry needling, manipulation, stretch and strengthening exercises with the latest technology.

Shockwave Therapy works by initiating repair of damaged tissue.

How does it work?

Shockwave Therapy uses an acoustic pressure wave to:

  • Disrupt the affected tissue
  • Stimulate collagen synthesis
  • Enhance blood supply
  • Flush out pain-transmitting substances

What does the evidence say?

  • Safe and effective
  • 90% of participants treated with Shockwave had excellent or good results
  • As effective as surgery initially and even better than the surgical outcomes after 2 years
  • Effective in the treatment of partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff
  • Initial studies on the use of Shockwave therapy in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder show promise

How many treatments are needed?

  • • The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one treatment. Very often though, you will experience relief right after the first treatment.

  • Most indications require at least 3–5 treatments which are done 3–10 days apart, depending on the patient’s tolerance and their tissue response.