The shoulder joint comprises three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). It is the most mobile joint in the body, but it can also be unstable because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it.
The stability of the shoulder relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, due to its inherent instability, the shoulder is susceptible to various problems such as sprains, strains, dislocations, separations, tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, fractures, and arthritis.
At our clinic, we use modalities like ice and heat to reduce swelling in the muscles around the shoulder. Additionally, we employ a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit to stimulate the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint and provide relief. Therapeutic ultrasound is another treatment option to break down scar tissue in the supporting muscles and reduce inflammation around the shoulder joint.
Our therapists design exercise programs to strengthen the supporting muscles and teach manual stretches that can be performed anywhere to alleviate muscle tension and fatigue. These interventions aim to improve shoulder stability and function, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain and discomfort.
References
1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. How does the shoulder work? 2020 Feb 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554696/
2. DeFroda, S. F., Perry, A. K., Bodendorfer, B. M., & Verma, N. N. (2021). Evolving Concepts in the Management of Shoulder Instability. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 55(2), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-020-00348-4
3. Pieters, L., Lewis, J., Kuppens, K., Jochems, J., Bruijstens, T., Joossens, L., & Struyf, F. (2020). An Update of Systematic Reviews Examining the Effectiveness of Conservative Physical Therapy Interventions for Subacromial Shoulder Pain. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 50(3), 131–141. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2020.8498