Expert Treatment For Shoulder, Arm & Elbow Pain

Shoulder or Elbow Pain: Causes & Recommended Treatment

 

When something goes wrong with your shoulder or elbow, the pain can really hamper your ability to move freely, do the everyday activities you enjoy, and prevent you from sleeping. Here at The House Clinics, Bristol, our team of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are specialists in treating both shoulder and elbow pain. We can work with you to relieve the immediate symptoms and diagnose the underlying cause to ensure your full recovery. 

 

 

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

 

 

 

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

 

Shoulder impingement syndrome is when the top outer edge of your shoulder blade (the acromion) rubs against and impinges your rotator cuff beneath it, causing pain and irritation. The impingement and continuous friction can cause long-term tendonitis. This type of shoulder pain is most commonly seen in people involved in sports and other activities which involve a lot of overhead rotational motion – like swimming or tennis, as well as things like window washing and painting.

The shoulder aches often at night and when the arm is raised away from the body It also causes pain when raising the arm out to the side or in front of the body or performing overhead tasks. 

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, 'Swimmers Shoulder', 'Throwers Shoulder', 'Supraspinatus Tendinitis', and 'Painful Arc Syndrome',  are all terms used to describe this painful shoulder problem.

 

Shoulder Rotator Cuff Injury or Tear

 

The rotator cuff consists of the four tendons that are positioned around the ball of the shoulder joint – like a cuff. The role of the rotator cuff is to provide stability to the shoulder joint and enable movement such as lifting and rotating the arm. Of the four tendons, the 'supraspinatus tendon' is most frequently affected.

Rotator cuff pain is normally caused by swelling of the tendon (tendinopathy/tendonitis) or a tendon tear, which we grade here in the clinic from 1-4.  This type of shoulder injury is often seen here at our clinic and can be very painful and debilitating. Shoulder pain can further be complicated by the Bursa becoming inflamed. The Bursa is located on the top of the shoulder joint and is a very pain-sensitive structure. If the bursa becomes inflamed, it is known as Bursitis.

Patients with rotator cuff symptoms and/or bursitis, often present at the clinic with pain located on the side of the upper arm and weakness in the shoulder. The pain is often achy with an occasional sharp pain performing certain movements. Patients often have difficulty lifting their arm, putting their hand behind their back, during overhead activities such as playing tennis.

The shoulder aches often at night and when the arm is raised away from the body. This type of shoulder injury also causes pain when the arm is raised out to the side or in front of the body, or when performing overhead tasks.

 

Frozen Shoulder

 

Frozen shoulder is the common name used to describe the condition adhesive capsulitis, which is a painful shoulder problem that limits your range of motion. When the tissues in your shoulder joint become thicker and tighter, scar tissue can develop over time. Consequently, your shoulder joint doesn’t have enough room to rotate properly. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. You’re more likely to have this condition if you’re aged between 40-60 years old.

Sometimes there seems to be no underlying cause for a person getting a frozen shoulder. This is known as a primary (or idiopathic) frozen shoulder.

When there has been a previous injury or you have had to keep your shoulder still for a long time, this can make a frozen shoulder more likely, and although it is not clearly understood, there are also some medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems that can predispose someone to have a frozen shoulder.

 

 

Elbow Pain 

 

 

 

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

 

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow and upper forearm. It often occurs after strenuous overuse of the wrist extensor muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. Pain is experienced when lifting or bending your arm, gripping small objects such as a pen, or twisting your forearm when turning a door handle or opening a jar. As the name suggests, this is a common injury for tennis players, but any activity which pus excessive strain on the elbow joint can cause it. 

 

Golfers Elbow [Medial Epicondylitis)

 

Golfers elbow is a condition that causes pain around the inside of the elbow and upper forearm. It often occurs after strenuous overuse of the wrist flexor muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. Pain is felt when lifting or bending your arm, gripping small objects such as a pen, or twisting your forearm when turning a door handle or opening a jar. The pain is experienced in a different way, but often the same types of activities that cause tennis elbow are the cause.

 

Expert Chiropractic or Physiotherapy treatment, along with the right exercise programme, can help you on the road to full recovery.  Book a consultation with one of our expert practitioners today!