How can RHP Physiotherapy help you?
The shoulder can suffer injury from a fall or throw, but often will suffer some pain without a clear and obvious cause. The impact of this pain means a change to button up shirts and a reliance on the other arm for the impacted activities. The shoulder is a highly specialised and unique joint designed like a ball-and-socket for mobility.
As such, the shoulder relies on consistent control and stability afforded by our muscle system. The influence of the chest and upper back, pelvis and hips is important in setting up a platform for the shoulder to move well. Due to the whole body influence on shoulder pain, there is a need for good self-management strategies.
Understanding of sport and biomechanics to a high level will help you adjust some other factors that may also contribute to shoulder pain. Our therapists will discuss the injury with your coach and assist in supporting any technique changes if necessary.
Strength and endurance of muscles around the shoulder girdle will form a foundation for your recovery, while achieving better mobility or control in associated body regions will support that change.
Assessments will include:
The shoulder assessment involves the whole body, as dysfunction in other regions of the body often leads to the shoulder breaking down. For example, many swimmers with shoulder pain require improved hip flexibility to unload the shoulder joint during their stroke.
You may expect assessment of:
- Spinal posture and joint alignment
- Hip and lower leg flexibility and strength
- Shoulder girdle movement skills (biomechanics)
- Muscular strength and flexibility
- Sternocostal, acromioclavicular, and thoracic joint function
- Sports-specific technique, including video analysis, as required