What Causes Shoulder Pain
If you’re like most people, you’ve spent the last couple of weeks putting away heavy Christmas decorations. You probably got burnt out during the holiday season and decided that you needed a break from all the festivities. You may have also been under a lot of stress at work and decided that your mental health was more important than anything else. All of this could have contributed to you developing a painful shoulder condition that had you worried about how you would function once you returned to work. There’s no need to worry – you’re going to be just fine! But before you get back to your regular routine, it’s important to understand what caused your condition in the first place. This article will discuss how to properly diagnose and treat your shoulder pain so you can get back to doing what you love.
The Anatomy of Shoulder Pain
Most people experience pain in some part of their body every day. It’s completely normal to feel pain after doing something you’re not used to, like lifting a heavy box or going for a jog. However, if you’re experiencing pain that’s more than temporary and is keeping you from doing the things you love, then it’s time to see a physiotherapist.
Your shoulder is made up of four muscles that act in combination to allow you to raise and lower your arm, rotate it, and throw a ball. These muscles are called the rotator cuff. You also have larger overlaying muscles called the deltoid, the biceps, pectorals, lats, and the triceps. If any of these muscles become weak or develop tension, it can lead to shoulder pain. The most common source of this tension is overuse during exercise, which can cause the muscles to fatigue. We then get small changes within the tendon resulting in a tendinopathy. Inflammation may also occur around the tendon or surrounding structures sometimes effecting the central nervous system. It is important to understand that very small changes can give you a lot of pain and often it is nothing to panic about should you get the right advice early. Commonly, the longer these injuries are left, the longer they take to recover.
How Do I Prevent Shoulder Pain?
There are several things you can do to prevent shoulder pain. The first and most important step is to warm up before you start exercising. This will ensure that your muscles are ready for the activity and avoid any injuries. If you’re not used to going for long walks or engaging in other exercises that require your arm to be raised above your head, then begin by doing an easy warmup routine before lifting or throwing. This will ensure that your muscles are not stressed and that you avoid any injuries that may occur from the start. It is also important not to overexert yourself. Try to keep the amount of weight you’re lifting close to the amount that’s comfortable for the muscles and avoid putting too much strain on your shoulder. If you follow these simple guidelines the pain you’re likely to experience should be limited and you can get back to doing the things you love without fear of recurrence.
What Should I Do If I Already Experience Shoulder Pain?
If you already experience shoulder pain, it’s important to modify exercise to manageable loads and try something simpler and less taxing on your muscles. You can also discuss options with your physiotherapist to find the best treatment for you. They may recommend pain medication or other remedies to reduce inflammation. In most cases, shoulder pain is a result of overexertion or an injury, and it’s important to rest and recover before you try to exercise again. If possible, get a physiotherapist to look at the injury and create a plan for you to ease back into activity. This may involve specific exercise routines or tasks, changes at work, or even medical procedures to reduce pain and improve function.
The Most Common Causes Of Shoulder Pain
In most cases, shoulder pain is a result of overuse or an injury. It can also be caused by a sudden rush of adrenaline from participating in a strenuous sport. This article will discuss some of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Be sure to consult your physio if you’re not sure of the origin of your pain.
Overexertion
If you work out regularly and follow a strenuous routine, like weightlifting, sometimes we push beyond the musculotendon capacity. This can be often experienced pain after you’ve been working out for a while though this is also a shock effect to your central nervous system. To avoid this, it’s important to take a rest when you feel your muscles becoming fatigued, if you haven’t been sleeping well or have been lifting a lot. You can also reduce your workout intensity or schedule and opt for a less strenuous routine. Weightlifting is a great sport for building strong shoulders, but you should always remember that you’re a human being and should not overexert yourself.
Injury
It’s also important to point out that in some cases, your shoulder pain may be the result of an injury. This could be a gradual deterioration of the joint or tendon or an acute injury that was caused by a fall or a sport like a tear or fracture. In most cases, a bit of rest and a paracetamol can help with the pain until you can see your physio, others may require urgent medical imaging if pain is extreme or the shoulder or arm is disfigured. In most cases tendon tears can be managed by rehabilitation, though your physio will tell you when imaging and surgical intervention may be appropriate. If you experience any sort of pain or discomfort that’s not in the joints like breathlessness or chest pains, then please consult your doctor immediately for an assessment. Your doctor should be able to do a chest x-ray and ECG to make sure everything is working as it should.
How Can I Tell If My Shoulder Pain Is Getting Worse?
If you already experience shoulder pain, it’s important to take a look at how you’re performing. Are you able to finish your daily tasks without any problems? If so, then the pain may not be as bad as you think it is. However, if you’re having trouble performing these tasks and feel like your shoulder is getting worse, then it’s time to consult a physiotherapist. The best way to tell if your pain is getting worse is to re-examine it. This will be easier for your physio to do than for you, as they will be able to examine you without you having to worry about causing any further damage. Another way to determine if your pain is getting worse is to pay attention to how you’re feeling overall. Are you feeling more tired and irritable? If so, then this is a sign that your pain is getting worse. Take a break from exercising and try something simpler and less taxing on your muscles. This may involve specific exercise routines or tasks, changes at work, or even physio interventions to reduce pain and improve function. If any of these options seems appealing to you, then book in with one of our Sports Physiotherapists. Remember, not everything your friends, family and what the internet suggests will be best for you, so be sure to try and find the best treatment for you individually.
Managing Your Pain
Once you’ve properly diagnosed your shoulder pain and determined the origin, it’s time to find the best treatment for you. Your physiotherapist may advise pain medication or other remedies to reduce inflammation and pain. In most cases, shoulder pain is a result of overexertion or an injury, and it’s important to rest and recover before you try to exercise again. Following a professional plan will help you to ease back into activity.
If you want to get back to feeling your best and performing at your peak, then don’t wait any longer! Contact Pure Physio Sports today and schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained physiotherapists. Our team is dedicated to helping you overcome your injuries and get you back on the road to recovery. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance or simply want to feel your best, Pure Physio Sports has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. Don’t let your injuries hold you back any longer – take control of your health and wellbeing with Pure Physio Sports. Contact us now to schedule your appointment and start your journey to a pain-free, active lifestyle!
