Your Shoulder Joint
Did you know your shoulder is made up of 4 different joints!?
The glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint, the sternoclavicular joint and the scapulothoracic joint. The glenohumeral joint is a shallow ball and socket joint- so think a golf ball on a tee that allows for most of our mobility at the shoulder and is stabilised by the rotator cuff; whilst the other joints provide attachment onto the body.
The shoulder is a complex joint that allows us to use our upper limb in many different ways; however at the expense of the mobility of the shoulder comes stability- and lack of stability in the shoulder makes it more likely to have injuries here!
Rotator Cuff Injuries: How does it happen and what does it feel like?
One of the most common injuries to the shoulder is tendinopathy to the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles help support the glenohumeral joint but may be injured due to trauma to the shoulder such as falling on an outstretched hand and repetitive overhead activities.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is another very common cause of shoulder pain. It involves the impingement of the small space where the supraspinatus tendon, bicep tendon and subacromial bursa pass through causing discomfort on overhead movements.
For both of these shoulder issues correct scapula (or shoulder blade) positioning in relation to arm movement is important for force generation and transfer with minimal joint loading.
A simple exercise to try at home to help with shoulder blade positioning is scapula setting.
To do this start in an upright position and practice bringing your shoulder blades back and down. It may help to visualise bringing your shoulder blades towards the hip on the opposite side. Hold this for a few seconds and repeat 10 times. You may do this exercise a few times throughout the day.
Shoulder Bursitis: How can it happen? What does it feel like?
Another common shoulder injury is bursitis. The bursa is a fluid filled sac that sits between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion and allows for smooth gliding between these structures, which allows for you to lift your arm without pain. The most common way to trigger bursitis is either through repetitive minor overuse of the area or more a sudden, serious injury.
What are 4 symptoms of bursitis?
Dull ache or sharp pain
Localised tenderness
Limited motion, especially in overhead movement
Swelling and redness
Should I get treatment for shoulder bursitis?
Yes! If bursitis is left untreated, it can lead to a permanent thickening or enlargement of the bursa. This can cause chronic inflammation and pain, decreased motion of the shoulder and decreased strength of surrounding muscle.
If you suffer from shoulder pain we are here to help you. The shoulder is a complex joint with many muscles in close proximity so it can be tricky to diagnose! Osteopathic treatment may assist in diagnosis and treatment of your shoulder injury with an individualised treatment plan.
Author: Dr Emily Nelson, Osteopath
Copyright: Summit Osteopathy