Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, but the socket is quite shallow. Because of this, the shoulder relies heavily on the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments for stability. The shoulder is designed to allow a very wide range of movement, which is why you can reach, lift, and rotate your arm so freely. However, this flexibility also means the shoulder can be more prone to injury. For the shoulder to move comfortably and efficiently, four different joints in the shoulder area need to work together properly.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain doesn’t always start in the shoulder itself. Sometimes it can be linked to problems in the neck or upper back. Pain and inflammation in the shoulder can also develop from repetitive movements, a fall, sudden pulling of the arm, or long periods of poor posture.

A common condition known as frozen shoulder (also called adhesive capsulitis) can occur when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed over time. This inflammation can lead to the build-up of scar tissue around the joint, causing stiffness and making it difficult or painful to move the arm. If not treated, the shoulder can become very restricted in its movement.

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

Treatment focuses on helping the shoulder move properly again and supporting the muscles around the joint. This may include gentle chiropractic adjustments and mobilisation techniques to improve joint movement. Soft tissue therapy can help relax tight muscles and support recovery. In some cases, medical acupuncture may also be used to help reduce pain and promote healing.   ©