Being extremely mobile and flexible, shoulder joints can sometimes be more susceptible to injuries than other joints. Minor injuries, pains and sore muscles in the shoulder area are both common and among the most difficult conditions to be treated. They can develop from an accident, overexertion or everyday wear and tear. They can also result from aging and bone-related complications such as osteoporosis.
At Northgate Physiotherapy Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Centre, we specialize in the treatment of shoulder injuries by employing several therapies and treatments. In this blog, we have discussed shoulder injuries in detail – their symptoms, types, and treatments. Symptoms The majority of shoulder complications involve the ligaments, muscles and tendons. It is important to be aware of the symptoms that indicate shoulder injuries, such as: • Pain • Swelling • Numbness • An inability to raise your arm • Tingling • Weakness • Changes in your range of motion • Changes in colour and temperature They occur most commonly during sports activities, falls or during work-related tasks. Types of Injuries Shoulders can either be injured from sudden impacts or gradual wear and tear from overuse. Some injury types are listed below: Sudden (acute) injury This can result from abnormal bending or twisting of the shoulder, a direct blow to it or from a fall on an outstretched arm. The resulting pain can be sudden and severe. If blood vessels or nerves have been affected, the shoulder, arm or hand may feel tingly or numb. It may look blue or pale and have swelling. This injury includes: • Bruises • Sprains • Strains • Nerve damage • Dislocation of the shoulder • Fractures • Torn rotator cuff Overuse injury This occurs when extreme stress is applied on a joint or other tissue, often by repetition of an activity or overdoing an activity. Overuse injury includes: • Muscle strain • A frozen shoulder • Rotator cuff tendons • Tendinitis • Bursitis Other causes of shoulder injuries Some other less common causes of shoulder injuries include: • Poor posture or muscle tension • Osteoarthritis • Infectious arthritis • Calcium buildup • Osteomyelitis • Septic bursitis • Invasive cancer that has spread to the shoulder Treatments There are several treatments for shoulder injuries intended at relieving pain and restoring normal functions. Read about them below: First aid measures: The most logical step in case of a shoulder injury is to call for immediate medical assistance. In the meantime, performing first aid can provide relief; apply an ice pack carefully and gently on the swelling. You can also apply pain balm to relieve pain. Medicine: Medicines such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation and ease pain in case of shoulder injuries. It is, however, crucial to consult a doctor and get only prescribed medications. Surgery: There are certain injuries that don’t improve with non-surgical treatment options. In such cases, the patient will need orthopedic surgery to restore the shoulder joint’s regular functions. The several types of shoulder surgeries are: • Arthroscopy for impingement syndrome • Arthroscopic SLAP repair • Arthroscopy for dislocation • Arthroscopy for frozen shoulder • Rotator cuff repair • Acromioclavicular joint repairs • Shoulder replacement • Biceps tendon surgery Physiotherapy: After medical assistance or surgery, physiotherapy can be recommended as a treatment or rehabilitation. A physiotherapist will evaluate the injury and start treatment using various modalities. If you are looking for a reliable physiotherapy centre in NE Calgary, consider Northgate Physiotherapy, Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Centre. Shock wave therapy: It is a non-invasive treatment for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy is provided by applying low-energy or high-energy shock waves. The emitted waves accelerate the healing of the injured tissues without any side effects. Medical professionals and researchers are testing the ability of the therapy to treat calcific tendinitis, a common cause of shoulder injury. Chiropractic treatment: This treatment can be extremely beneficial to shoulder pain. Good chiropractic care can help you recover quickly from shoulder injury and reduce pain caused by poor posture, stress or musculoskeletal imbalances. If you are planning to opt for chiropractic services in NE Calgary, consider our centre for personalized treatment programs. Massage therapy: This therapy involves manual manipulation of soft tissues in the shoulder area that helps in easing pain, stress and several chronic pain syndromes. When performed by experienced professionals who know what they are doing, this therapy can provide several benefits. If you have suffered a shoulder injury or feel any of the symptoms of it, contact Northgate Physiotherapy, Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Centre to book an appointment. We also provide treatment for sports injuries in Calgary. Our trained and committed staff will make sure to treat your conditions as effectively as possible.