Shoulder pain can be attributed to a large array of different injuries and/or conditions, and can be affected by a variety of different factors. The most common causes of shoulder pain are…

• Injury – such as a sporting incident, a fall, or a wrench to the shoulder. As the shoulder is more mobile than other joints of the body, it is more prone to injury.
• Mechanical – due to prolonged stress to nerves, muscles, or joints. This can be a result of many things, including posture and/or working environment
• Degenerative changes – this is “wear and tear” to the joints and muscles of the shoulder  can be due to previous injury, but is also a normal part of the aging process. These age related degenerative changes may or may not cause pain, it will depend on the individual.

Not all shoulder pain can be prevented, however by maintaining an active lifestyle, and staying aware of your posture and the positions you work in you will be less likely to develop mechanical shoulder pain.

Common treatments for shoulder pain involve stretching and strengthening the muscles around the joint, massage, and mobilisations. Exact management of shoulder pain will depend on what the cause of your pain is, as well as your lifestyle and goals. Treatment will differ from person to person, even for the same injury!

For help with exercises, posture, manual treatment for joints and muscles, and further advice and education about your shoulder, make an appointment with one of our highly experienced physiotherapists at SportsMed Mosgiel Physiotherapy.