Shoulder Pain Northampton

​If you suffer with shoulder pain, clicking or reduced motion it can be a sign that the shoulder is struggling to cope with your day to day demands. Shoulder problems can start suddenly after a fall or impact but many shoulder problems creep in over months. Whatever the problem, getting a shoulder issue seen to can help you to understand the next steps to take whether that is treatment, advice or referral.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, comprised on the humerus, scapula and clavicle. With mobility comes instability, and therefore a rate of injury. At our Northampton Chiropractic clinic we will see some shoulder injuries that require treatment, but some that require referral, spotting the difference can be difficult which is why assessment is necessary either through your GP, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. For example, the liver, lung and gall bladder can all refer pain to the shoulder but the brain can't tell the difference. However, many types of shoulder pain can be treated with conservative therapy such as mobilisation, soft tissue work and rehabilitation - an efficient shoulder is a happy shoulder so taking notice of the day to day postural strains that contribute to shoulder pain is essential.
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During your appointment at our Northampton Chiropractic Clinic your shoulder and surrounding areas will be examined and you'll be given a diagnosis and an explanation of how we can manage the injury to promote the best healing possible.

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If you are experiencing any issues with your shoulder and wish to have it checked at our Northampton chiropractic clinic, visit our contact page to fill out our form, or call us on 01604 754456.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears are common, in fact it's estimated that 40% of the population have asymptomatic tears.

The rotator cuff muscles help to stabilise the shoulder joint, allowing efficient movement.  When there is injury to the rotator cuff the shoulder joint moves in an inefficient way creating friction and pain. Over time tears in the muscle occur and as a result efficient movement is lost leading to a chronic condition which is some cases ends up with surgery or steroid injections
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Treatment of injured muscles and tendons can aid recovery alongside rehabilitation exercises and improving control of the scapula.  The shoulder only works well if the scapula is in the correct position, something that is difficult with modern day postures such as computer based work, driving and using phones and tablets.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that seems to come out of nowhere.  A gradual stiffening of the shoulder with loss of motion that progresses over 6-12 months followed by a "frozen" phase that lasts 6-12 months eventually giving way to a gradual "thawing" phase that allows a slow return towards a normal range of motion.    

​Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement, or impingement syndrome,  is caused by friction or catching in the subacromial space.  This can come from arthritis, bursitis, swelling around the shoulder or calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons.  It can often cause painful and limited range of motion along with weakness.  This is more common after middle age and can be in combination with other problems such as rotator cuff tears in which the muscles do not position the arm correctly in the joint and this leads to compression of the arm up into the shoulder, reducing space and creating impingement.

Manual therapy and exercise are often used as treatment and the more persistent or recurrent cases may require injection, arthroscopy or further imaging.

Labral Tear

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that increases the depth of the shoulder socket helping improve stability of the "ball and socket" joint, it also serves as an attachment point for some of the shoulder ligaments and one of the Biceps tendons..  Damage to the labrum often occurs during traumatic injury such as a fall on the arm, a forceful traction or just through the ageing process.

Labral tears often create a locking, clicking or grinding sensation and can cause shoulder weakness, limited motion or a feeling that shoulder is going to pop out of the socket.

Treatment would have a heavy focus on strength and stabilisation of the shoulder.