Shoulder pain is among the most common complaints in medical practice. Two thirds of the adult population experience a period of shoulder pain at least once in their lifetime. There are different pathologies which can cause shoulder pain and dysfunctions of the shoulder.
Treatment aims to restore full motion of the joint, improve muscle function and nerve control of those muscles. Where adhesions exist (frozen shoulder / adhesive capsulitis), a gentle approach can be taken to prompt the body to speed up its repair. More forceful manipulation can be used if necessary, as pain levels are reduced.
A study [1] evaluated the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on patients suffering from shoulder pain. This study found that four osteopathic treatments over a period of eight weeks led to clinically relevant positive changes in shoulder pain and its impact on everyday life activities.
Similarly to Physiotherapy in some ways, Osteopathy uses a range of physical techniques to promote healing. Possible treatments include:
As well as these treatment methods, your Osteopath may recommend shoulder exercises. These will be specific for your needs. For example, if you have shoulder instability, you may be given exercises that will strengthen your rotator cuff muscles.
If you have shoulder pain, you need to keep your shoulder joint moving by doing gentle, regular exercise. Not using your shoulder can increase stiffness and cause your muscles to weaken. Always try to keep using your shoulder as normal rather than protecting it too much, but avoid pain whenever possible.
If your shoulder is very stiff you may feel some soreness after your exercise but you should slowly notice improved function in your shoulder and arm as the muscle and joint repairs itself.
[1] Bube, J., Hettasch J. et.al., "Osteopathic treatment of patients with shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial". International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, September 2010 (Vol. 13, Issue 3, Page 118)
