Shoulder pain and symptoms can occur in ANY of the structures outlined below. These include posture/mechanics (joints not moving properly), wear and tear, compression, sprain (ligaments), strain/tightening (muscles) inflammation of the blood vessels/nerves, fractures (bone) or from another cause.
Structures of the Shoulder
The Shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. It is made up of the following bones: the Scapular (shoulder blade), the humerus (upper arm) and the Clavicle (collar bone). The ball and socket joint has an articular cartilage (labrum) to prevent friction. The bones are held together and stabilised by ligaments which prevent dislocation. The joints are moved and further stabilised by the muscles Subscapularis, Infraspinatus, Supraspinatus, Teres (known as the ‘rotator cuff’); Latissimus dorsi, Deltoid, Pecs, Levator scapula, Rhomboids, Subclavius, Scalenes, Biceps and Triceps. The other structures involved in the shoulder are the bursae, blood vessels (veins and arteries) and nerves (C5-C7).
Diagnosis
A diagnosis, therefore can be difficult without the appropriate training. Each practitioner at Future Proof Care is trained to perform a thorough history and examination to gain the correct diagnosis of shoulder pain.
Shoulder conditions we have diagnosed and/ or support
Patients have presented to our practice with shoulder pain from a range of causes. These include overuse, trauma or impact, poor posture, instability, repetitive strain injury or sometimes pain of unknown reason. We have diagnosed and/or supported patients with the following conditions:
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Rotator cuff strains/tears
- Ligament sprains
- Mechanical Dysfunction
- Shoulder instability
- Impingement
- Bursitis
- Scapular winging
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Dislocations
- Shoulder Replacement
- Collar bone fracture/sprain
We refer patients for imaging or further testing to confirm the diagnosis if necessary. Patients thereafter, when appropriate, supported with treatment and educated on how to manage and rehabilitate their presentation.
Description
Patients may describe their shoulder pain or symptoms as one of the following. Each description points towards a certain diagnosis. If you use any of these terms, book an appointment with one of our Practitioners at Future Proof Care, Kings Hill, West Malling.
- “Feels heavy”
- “Deep ache”
- “Tight” or “solid”
- Unable to reach upwards/overhead
- Unable to reach behind
- Popping/clicking
- Pins and needles or “tingly”
- “Feels weak”
- Catching/pinching
- Difficulty washing/brushing hair
- Can’t lay on shoulder at night
- Painful holding steering wheel when driving
- “Feels numb”
- “pain goes up into neck/upper back”
- Nagging
History and Examination
When a patient comes to the Practice, they will be asked questions regarding their presentation. We will then examine the shoulder, neck, ribs, upper back, elbow, referral from an organ/muscle or posture. Many mechanical, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle tests will be carried out to arrive at a diagnosis with clinical clarity.
Why Choose us?
Not all Chiropractors, Osteopaths or Physiotherapists treat shoulder pain both directly AND indirectly. They may focus more on the spine in isolation or the shoulder in isolation. At Future Proof Care, we treat the body as a whole, thereby getting better results quicker.
We first establish what your pain is, why you have it, what can be done about it and how to get your back to function as quickly as possible. We are honest and act with integrity, keeping you, your goals and needs at the focus of our care
Don’t let shoulder pain stop you from reaching what you want to achieve. Our practitioners go beyond their training in Chiropractic and Osteopathy. We continually attend seminars and stay up to date with the latest research and techniques, so our patients can get the best service.
