Shoulder pain is very common and is the 3rd most common musculoskeletal complaint. It can cause pain, stiffness and weakness and make everyday life harder, for example some people with shoulder pain struggle to brush their hair. Hairdressers and construction workers are at particular risk of shoulder injuries, due to the repetitive work they do.

There are a wide range of causes for shoulder pain but the 4 most common are:

• Rotator cuff disorders.
• Glenohumeral disorders (frozen shoulder or glenohumeral osteoarthritis).
• Acromioclavicular joint disease.
• Referred neck pain.

What are rotator cuff disorders?

• Rotator cuff disorders refer to problems with the muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. They cause pain at the top and side of the shoulder.
• Rotator cuff disorders include rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial rotator cuff tears.
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy occurs when the shoulder bone and the shoulder tendons rub against each other and the tendon becomes swollen and painful.
  • Rotator cuff tears can occur through either trauma (such as shoulder dislocation) or long term overuse.
  • These disorders typically affects people between the ages of 35 and 75 who have a history of manual repetitive labour, like athletes and painters.

What is frozen shoulder?

• Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that leads to stiffness and disability. It is characterised by a progressive restriction of shoulder movement and typically affects people aged between 40-60. It can be associated with trauma to the area or systemic issues like diabetes and is more common in women. Symptoms usually settle in 18-24 months, but can persist longer.
• The pain comes on in the outside of the shoulder gradually, and restricts movement and causes pain but the joint does not click.

What are instability disorders?

• Shoulder instability is the abnormal movement of the top of the arm bone (humerus). It can cause pain, subluxation (partial loss of contact between joint surfaces) or dislocation. This instability can be caused by, trauma, hypermobility, muscle imbalances or poor posture. These disorders generally affect people between 25-35 years old. The disorders can lead to should arthritis.

What are acromioclavicular joint disorders?

• Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis is the most common acromioclavicular joint disorder and usually presents in people over 60, with a history of shoulder sprains, weightlifting or a family history of arthritis. Symptoms include local tenderness, which is worse for overhead movements.

What is glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis?

• Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a less common cause of shoulder pain, but can cause significant pain and disability. The condition is often caused by trauma, chronic rotator cuff tear, and systemic arthritis.
• Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is more common in people older than 60 and presents with deep joint pain and restriction of activities, such as putting on a jacket.

If you would like more information or help getting your shoulder pain under control visit your local osteopath they can assess you, determine the cause of your shoulder pain and effectively treat it.
Your osteopath can help you with your shoulder pain by using a combination of hands-on techniques to address muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and postural issues. Through gentle manipulation, stretching, and strengthening exercises, osteopaths aim to improve mobility and reduce tension in the shoulder area. They also assess the overall function of the body, identifying any underlying issues that may contribute to the pain, such as poor posture or alignment problems. This holistic approach can provide relief from both acute and chronic shoulder pain, helping you to restore function and prevent further injury.

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