Shoulders

The shoulder is a complex assembly of structures that connects the upper limb to the body’s trunk. It consists of three main bones: the humerus, scapula, and clavicle. These bones together form several joints, the most important of which is the glenohumeral joint, the primary shoulder joint that allows a wide range of motion for the upper limb. The shoulder is surrounded by numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provide stability and support during various movements. Among the most important muscles of the shoulder are the rotator cuff muscles, which are crucial for arm rotation and elevation.

Due to its high degree of mobility, the shoulder is often prone to injury and wear, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and arthritis. Physiotherapy treatment for the shoulder focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function through various approaches, including manual therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, and the use of physical modalities.

How can physiotherapy help you?

Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions and issues related to the shoulder, including acute injuries, chronic conditions, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Some of the most common problems they encounter related to the shoulder include:

• Rotator cuff injuries: injuries to the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff.
• Rotator cuff tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse or wear.
• Impingement syndrome: also known as subacromial impingement, this occurs when shoulder structures (such as rotator cuff tendons and the bursa) become trapped under the upper part of the scapula (acromion), causing pain and limited mobility.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): a condition where pain and limited range of motion occur in the shoulder joint, often without a clear cause.
• Dislocations and subluxations: complete or partial dislocations of the shoulder joint, which can cause intense pain and instability.
• Arthritis: a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones and soft tissues, which can cause pain and restrict movement.
• Repetitive strain injuries: problems that arise from repetitive movements or overuse, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Postoperative rehabilitation: after surgeries on the shoulder, such as rotator cuff repair, impingement syndrome surgery, or shoulder joint replacement, rehabilitation is necessary to restore function and reduce pain.