The Shoulder is the most complex and mobile joint in the body, moving the arm in many directions. As the joint is so flexible and important, it can be prone to different types of injuries. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint formed by the arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). There is a loose bag or capsule that surrounds the join. This is supported by ligaments and muscles.
Shoulder pain can be caused through injury, repetitive activities, occupation, posture or can sometimes occur without a known cause.
If the pain doesn’t improve within 6-12 weeks, you may need to seek further advice and can refer to physiotherapy through the self referral method.
It is important to contact your medical practice if:
- Your shoulder pain started following a fall or trauma.
- You have significantly restricted range of movement.
- There is any heat, redness and swelling around the joint as this may be a sign of infection.
Frozen Shoulder
What is Frozen shoulder?
The shoulder joint tends to become stiff and initially painful, often starting without any cause. The loose bag (capsule) around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and appears to tighten or shrink. The tightening along with pain restricts the movement.
Why does it occur?
A primary frozen shoulder is when the exact cause is not known. it is more common in people with diabetes and thyroid gland problems.
A secondary frozen shoulder can develop if the shoulder area is kept still for some time, for example, after a stroke, heart attack or after major injury or surgery to the shoulder.
This leaflet includes further information about Frozen Shoulder and the exercises that can help.
Subacromial Shoulder Pain
What is subacromial Pain Syndrome?
This is a term used to describe pain that arises from the space between your humerus (upper arm) and acromion (part of your shoulder bone). It is very common and causes pain in the shoulder and upper arm. It can spread up the neck, down the arm or across to the shoulder blade.
What causes Subacromial Pain?
You have 4 tendons which join your shoulder blade to your upper arm and these collectively are called the 'rotator cuff'. They are very susceptible to wear and tear and can often become 'nipped' between the 2 bones at your shoulder or become torn from gradual wear or sudden trauma. When either of these occurs, you can get pain and an alteration in the way the muscles control your shoulder. The terms 'impingement' syndrome or 'rotator cuff tear' may be used in these cases.
This leaflet includes further information about subacromial pain and the exercises that can help.
These are the exercises in video form:
Wall slides:
Wall Press up:
Shoulder fracture
If you have fractured your shoulder/ upper arm, the following printable leaflet gives advice on early mobilisation before you see a physiotherapist. NHS Borders Humeral Fracture leaflet