Seeking Relief for Shoulder Impingement in Surrey BC? Consult an Osteopath Today to Regain Arm Mobility

Do you experience pain in the front or side of your shoulder, especially during overhead activities or reaching behind your back? Are you dealing with weakness or loss of strength in your shoulder? Is your range of motion limited, particularly when raising your arm or performing shoulder movements? Do you feel radiating pain down your arm?

If you're experiencing these symptoms, you might be dealing with shoulder impingement. It's essential to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

Shoulder impingement, also known as subacromial impingement, occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder get compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint. This condition commonly involves the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa located in the subacromial space, between the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade.

The narrowing of the shoulder joint space, whether due to anatomical variations or inflammation, can lead to impingement during specific arm movements. This compression can cause irritation, inflammation, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Several factors can contribute to shoulder impingement, including:

1. Repetitive Overhead Activities: Engaging in repetitive overhead activities like throwing, swimming, or painting increases the risk of shoulder impingement. These activities involve repetitive rubbing or compression of the tendons and bursa against the bones.

2. Poor Posture: Rounded shoulders and forward head posture can alter the biomechanics of the shoulder joint, narrowing the subacromial space and contributing to impingement.

3. Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff muscles, can affect shoulder stability and movement, leading to abnormal mechanics and impingement.

4. Bone Spurs or Abnormal Anatomy: Structural abnormalities such as bone spurs or irregularities in the shape of the shoulder blade can reduce the available space within the shoulder joint, increasing the likelihood of impingement.

Common symptoms of shoulder impingement include:

• Front or side shoulder pain, especially during overhead activities or reaching behind the back.

• Weakness or loss of strength in the affected shoulder.

• Difficulty lifting the arm fully or reaching overhead.

• Radiating pain down the arm.

To address shoulder pain and impingement, consulting a manual therapist or osteopath in Surrey, BC can be beneficial. Manual therapists employ various techniques based on individual conditions and treatment approaches. Here are some commonly used techniques:

1. Soft Tissue Manipulation: Manual therapists apply pressure, stretch, or massage the soft tissues around the shoulder joint, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This technique aims to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.

2. Joint Mobilization: Gentle and controlled movements are applied to the shoulder joint to restore normal function and range of motion. Joint mobilization helps reduce stiffness, alleviate pain, and improve joint mobility.

3. Muscle Energy Techniques: Patients actively participate in muscle energy techniques by contracting specific muscles against resistance or moving the shoulder joint in a specific direction while the therapist applies counter-pressure. These techniques improve muscle balance, increase joint range of motion, and relieve muscle tension.

4. Stretching Exercises: Manual therapists may prescribe specific stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and restore normal muscle length around the shoulder joint. These exercises alleviate muscle imbalances, reduce stiffness, and improve overall shoulder function.

5. Postural Correction: Correcting poor posture is crucial in managing shoulder pain. Manual therapists assess your posture and provide guidance on correcting any imbalances. They may recommend exercises, ergonomic modifications, or postural awareness techniques to improve alignment and reduce stress on the shoulder joint.

6. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Therapists may offer recommendations on modifying activities or habits that exacerbate shoulder pain. This advice can include proper lifting techniques, ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, suggestions for sleeping positions, or modifications to exercise routines. Making appropriate adjustments in your daily activities supports the healing process and prevents further strain on the shoulder.

Remember that the specific techniques used may vary based on the therapist's training, experience, and your individual needs. They will tailor the treatment plan to address your unique shoulder condition, working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal results. If you're seeking a manual therapist or osteopath in Surrey, BC for shoulder impingement relief, reach out today to regain your mobility and alleviate pain.

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