Atlas Pain Relief Centre

Shoulder Pain Tamworth or Shoulder Pain Lichfield?

Tamworth Osteopaths and Tamworth Physiotherapists at Atlas Pain Relief Centre see shoulder pain patients on a regular basis.  This is due to the common condition of rotator cuff impingement and frozen shoulder syndrome (adhesive capsulitis).

Shoulder pain patients travel from surrounding areas of Tamworth, Staffordshire, Atherstone, Polesworth, Kingsbury, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Swadlincote, Measham, Brownhills, Burton on Trent and Dordon to receive treatment.

Depending upon the cause of the impingement, treatments may involve acupuncture, manipulation of the shoulder joint and girdle, physiotherapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy or referral to a shoulder consultant for injections or surgery. This usually follows a diagnosis from an MRI scan.

Shoulder pain is one of the most challenging conditions for a therapist. Acute or chronic, shoulder pain is often a problem of impingement and usually involves the rotator cuff mechanism.

The most commonly affected part of the rotator cuff to be injured is the supraspinatus tendon.  Although the rotator cuff has a conjoined tendon which is made up from 4 muscles, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor, it is the location of the supraspinatus which makes it a high risk of impingement.

Another shoulder condition which is very painful is the calcification of the rotator cuff tendon.  This is so bad at times that the patient will cry with the pain if attempting to move the arm.  Injections and surgery are usually indicated in these cases

Night pain is common to many shoulder problems especially frozen shoulder syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement and bursitis. This is because when you rest at night the damaged structures become swollen. Because you are not moving the arm around, the swelling just sits there and builds-up.

Patients find it difficult to sleep if they roll onto the affected shoulder.  Brushing your hair or attempting to undo your bra can be impossible due to acute pain in the upper arm. Very rarely is the pain experienced in the shoulder itself and therefore patients who arrive complaining of pain in the upper arm are surprised when they are told they have a shoulder problem.
The secret of a speedy return to normal shoulder function is early intervention. The faster you get treatment the quicker you will recover. Generally injured shoulders can be slow to heal especially if left to become chronic.