Shoulder pain can manifest in various forms, each presenting its unique challenges and symptoms. At Still Point Osteopathy, our experienced practitioners possess the expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively address the following types of shoulder pain:

Bursitis: A common cause of shoulder pain, bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located near the joint that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.

Tendonitis: There are two types of tendonitis that individuals may experience. Rotator cuff tendonitis occurs when tendons become compressed and inflamed, while calcific tendonitis is characterised by calcium deposits within a tendon, usually affecting the rotator cuff tendons.

Arthritis: This condition involves the deterioration of protective cartilage, leading to increased friction and discomfort within the joints.

Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition results in stiffness and limited mobility of the shoulder joint.

Tears: Tears can occur in the rotator cuff tendons or the labrum, with rotator cuff tears referring to the separation of the tendon from the bone and labral tears often caused by shoulder dislocations.

Shoulder Dislocation: In this situation, the upper arm bone becomes detached from the scapula, causing significant pain and instability.

Bicep Tendon Rupture: A bicep tendon rupture involves the tearing of the tendon connected to the bicep muscle, leading to considerable discomfort.

Shoulder Instability: A loose joint, often resulting from traumatic injuries like dislocations, can cause recurring shoulder pain and limited functionality.

As osteopaths and healthcare professionals, we specialise in manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system to promote overall health and well-being.

When it comes to treating shoulder pain, we use a combination of hands-on techniques and patient education to address the underlying causes of the pain and facilitate the body’s natural healing processes.

Here are some common approaches our team may use to treat shoulder pain:

Comprehensive Assessment: The first step in treating shoulder pain is a thorough assessment. We will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and any contributing factors to the pain.

Manual Techniques: We use a range of manual techniques to address musculoskeletal imbalances and promote joint mobility. These techniques may include soft tissue manipulation, stretching, mobilisation, and gentle joint manipulation.

Myofascial Release: Your osteopath may employ myofascial release techniques to release tension and restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. By releasing tight fascial restrictions, shoulder mobility and function can improve.

Muscle Energy Techniques: Muscle energy techniques involve the active participation of the patient to release muscle tension and improve joint function. Osteopaths have been using this method to enhance the coordination and strength of muscles around the shoulder joint for years and we have seen great results from our patients using this technique. 

Postural Advice: Before we send you home, we’ll provide advice on maintaining proper posture during daily activities, including sitting, standing, and lifting. Correcting poor posture can relieve stress on the shoulder and prevent further strain.

Lifestyle Modifications: In some circumstances, we may also suggest lifestyle modifications, such as ergonomic changes in the workplace or adjustments to sports techniques, to avoid aggravating the shoulder and facilitate healing.

Exercise Prescription: You may be prescribed specific exercises to strengthen and stabilise the shoulder joint. These exercises are tailored to your individual condition and aim to improve range of motion, strength, and function.

Patient Education: Educating the patient about their condition and how to manage it plays a crucial role in osteopathic treatment. This empowers the patient to actively participate in their recovery and make informed choices to prevent future issues.

Collaborative Approach: Osteopaths often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists or chiropractors, to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to shoulder pain treatment.

It’s important to note that the osteopathic treatment we select is individualised for each patient based on their specific condition, health history, and preferences.

We aim to address the root cause of the shoulder pain and promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to improved shoulder function and reduced pain. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, consulting an osteopath can be an excellent option for a holistic and hands-on approach to your care.