What Kind of Shoulder Injuries Osteopaths Can Treat?
3 min readShoulder injuries are common and can result from a variety of situations. Shoulder injuries can result from everyday tasks like carrying a baby or gardening, as well as sports and occupational activities that require repetitive overhead movements. Osteopaths can treat a number of prevalent shoulder conditions, including:
Rotator Cuff Injuries: The muscles that stabilize and permit movement in the shoulder joint are part of the rotator cuff. Tears and strains are frequent injuries that can result from trauma, because of sports accidents, overuse, or aging.
Shoulder impingement: This ailment arises from irritation or compression of the tendons that surround the shoulder inside the shoulder joint. Repetitive overhead arm motions, like those used in tennis, volleyball, swimming, and cricket bowling, are frequently associated with it.
Adhesive Capsulitis, or Frozen Shoulder: Pain and a progressive loss of shoulder mobility and stiffness are the symptoms of a frozen shoulder. Although the precise cause is not always known, previous surgeries, injuries, or illnesses like diabetes may be connected to it.
Tendonitis: It is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder.
Bursitis: Bursae are tiny fluid-filled sacs that serve as cushions between tendons and bones. Bursitis is caused by these sacs. Inflammation of these bursae causes bursitis, which can be extremely painful.
Overuse/Repetitive Strain Injuries: These injuries are usually the result of repeated overhead motions, which are frequent in some occupations and sports.
Compression of Nerves: It is possible for nerve compression to happen in the neck or shoulder, resulting in shoulder pain and possible weakness.
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis can both affect the shoulder joint, causing pain and a reduction in shoulder function.
Referred pain: Occasionally, shoulder pain can come from the neck, back, heart, or gallbladder, among other places.
How Can an Osteopath Help?
Osteopaths place a high priority on treating the underlying source of pain when treating shoulder injuries. They examine your neck, spine, and pelvis in addition to the injured shoulder in detail as part of the evaluation process. They use a variety of practical osteopathic methods in the treatment regimen. They also suggest lifestyle changes and specific exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, enhancing stability, and encouraging a quicker recovery. The length of time it took you to seek treatment as well as the kind and extent of the injury will all play a role in the timing and nature of your recovery. Since every person’s circumstances are different, Osteopath services will be customized to address individual requirements.
Imaging
If an osteopath suspects a recent, severe tear or fracture in a muscle or ligament, they may recommend an X-ray or ultrasound to further assess the situation. We can help with a referral to an orthopedic specialist for an MRI and more advanced care if more research is necessary.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
There are many different types of shoulder injuries, each with a different cause and severity level. Consequently, the effective management of such injuries depends on making an accurate diagnosis and administering the appropriate care. See your osteopath for a thorough assessment and treatment if you are experiencing persistent or severe shoulder pain or if you have had a shoulder injury that has not yet healed. This preventative measure can assist in avoiding possible issues.