Shoulder pain is a common condition that can affect all ages and often lead to arm pain as well.  A crucial element when treating shoulder and arm pain is finding the correct diagnosis for the source of the shoulder pain or arm pain.  This is where your physiotherapist can help most.

What causes shoulder and arm pain?

Shoulder and arm pain can be caused by many normal activities of daily living.  Some of the common causes are listed below.

1. Activities involving throwing, bowling or serving action (eg tennis)
2. Working with your hands above your head for prolonged periods
3. Repeated scrubbing action
4. Sleeping on your shoulder
5. Reaching and lifting something from the back seat of the car
6. Falling on an outstretched arm or direct contact

What structures contribute to shoulder and arm pain?

There are many structures that can cause shoulder and arm pain.  Some are listed below.

1. Rotator cuff tendonitis
2. Rotator cuff tear
3. AC joint injuries
4. Dislocation to the shoulder
5. Muscle strain around the shoulder
6. Nerve pain associated with nerve entrapment
7. Radiating pain coming from the cervical spine or thoracic spine
8. Potential sinister pathology

How can physiotherapy treatment help my shoulder and arm pain?

Physiotherapists are professionally trained to assess and diagnose shoulder injuries and the different sources of shoulder pain.  The physiotherapist will discuss the history of your shoulder pain, assess your posture and shoulder movements as well as your shoulder and arm strength.  On some occasions further investigation is warranted, such as an x-ray, CAT scan, MRI scan or ultrasound.  

The physiotherapist will choose the most appropriate treatment for your shoulder and arm pain, which may involve a combination of massage, deep tissue therapy, exercises to stretch your shoulder and exercises to strengthen the shoulder.  The physiotherapist also has access to electrotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, TENS machine and muscle stimulation.  The physiotherapist will give you a treatment plan for your shoulder and arm pain, a home exercise program and some helpful hints to reduce the severity of the shoulder and arm pain.