Shoulder pain treatment in Edgeworth
Shoulder pain can make reaching overhead, dressing, working and sleeping a struggle. Because the shoulder, neck and upper back work as a team, we look at all three to find what's driving the pain.
How it can feel
Shoulder problems tend to show up as:
- Pain reaching overhead, behind your back or out to the side
- A painful catch partway through lifting the arm
- Aching at night, especially lying on that side
- Stiffness and loss of movement
- Pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder blade or upper arm
What's usually behind it
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it easy to irritate. Common causes include:
- Irritated rotator cuff tendons, the most common source of shoulder pain
- Overhead or repetitive work, common in trades and mining
- Sports involving throwing, swimming or lifting
- Stiffness in the upper back and neck changing how the shoulder moves
- A fall or sudden strain
- Frozen shoulder, where the joint capsule becomes stiff and painful
Our approach to shoulder pain
Assess
We test the shoulder's movement and strength and examine the neck and upper back, because pain felt in the shoulder is sometimes referred from the neck. If we suspect a significant tear or another problem that needs imaging, we'll refer you.
Treat
Hands-on care to improve how the shoulder, shoulder blade and upper back move: joint mobilisation, soft tissue work and adjustment where appropriate.
Strengthen
Exercise is the best-supported treatment for most rotator cuff problems, so you'll get a simple, progressive strengthening program along with advice on work and sleep positions.
Most shoulder pain improves with the right mix of movement, strengthening and time. Hands-on treatment is there to ease pain and free up movement so the exercises can do their job.
When to get urgent help
This page is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment. Healthdirect, the Australian government's health information service, has more on shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain: your questions answered
Do chiropractors treat shoulders, not just backs?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat joints and muscles throughout the body, including shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and feet.
Do I need an ultrasound or MRI first?
Usually not. Most shoulder problems can be assessed in the clinic. Scans often show changes that are normal for your age and unrelated to the pain, so we only refer for imaging when it would change your care.
How long does shoulder pain take to improve?
It depends on the cause. Tendon-related pain usually improves over weeks to a few months with the right exercises. Frozen shoulder typically takes longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe after the assessment.
Can I keep training or working?
Usually, with modifications. We'll help you find the level of activity that keeps you moving without stirring the shoulder up.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Rebates are available on the spot for most extras policies that include chiropractic. Bring your health fund card to claim at the clinic.
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Ready to get your shoulder pain looked at?
Start with a proper assessment at our Edgeworth clinic. No referral needed.