Shoulder pain is fast becoming a common presenting complaint at Parkdale Osteopathic Clinic. The reasons for this are many and varied, but could be due to some of the following observations listed below.
As a society, we are spending more time in sedentary positions where we spend many hours hunched over a desk, holding a smart phone, typing on a computer or tablet or gripping a steering wheel. As a result our posture is suffering, where the muscles on the chest wall can tighten, creating an increased curve in the upper back and ultimately the shoulder blades start to pull forwards and outwards.
This change in position of the shoulder blade decreases the stability of the shoulder joint and as a result places greater strain on the rotator cuff muscles (especially supraspinatus) and their role in supporting the shoulder joint.
Muscles under continual strain are more likely to become inflamed and potentially torn which is why supraspinatus tendonitis and inflammation of its related bursa (subacromial bursitis) is experienced by many people. This presentation is commonly referred to as shoulder impingement.
We will provide you with appropriate stretches to lessen muscle contracture, give instruction on improving your core stability and awareness, and make you aware of other risk factors you can ideally stamp out to avoid future recurrences.
