Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are very common, and are caused by injuries affecting the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
The shoulder joint in particular, being a universal joint, has a huge range of movement. The hand can go above the head, behind the back and even across to scratch behind the other shoulder. The elbow works like a hinge joint allowing the hand to come nearer or go further away from the body. The elbow and wrist combined allow manipulation of the hand through more than 180 degrees i.e. from palm up to palm down, the wrist helps with grip, whilst the joints in the hand, thumb and fingers allow the dexterity of finger movement.
Since the nerves that supply the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, conditions such as Vertebral Dysfunction commonly contribute to pain in the shoulder.
- Frozen Shoulder
- Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
- Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension
- Arthritis of the Shoulder
- Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain
- Rotator Cuff Disorders such as tears and strains
- Impingement Syndrome
- AC Joint Injury
Regardless of the cause, treatment of the shoulder complex requires an experienced practitioner who can test the movements and structures of the shoulder and come to an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Treatment can then focus on the core problem.