Shoulder pain
We are committed to helping you understand what is causing your discomfort or pain
Shoulder injuries typically affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments rather than the bones. Due to the similarity of many shoulder conditions, diagnosing the exact issue can be challenging, and these injuries can lead to prolonged pain. Seeing an osteopath early means you get a clear assessment and advice, and a referral if something needs further investigation.
While athletes and manual labourers are more prone to shoulder injuries, many of our patients also experience shoulder pain from everyday activities like gardening, painting, or even being pulled by their dog!
Below is general information about some common problems in this area. It isn’t a full list. If you’re not sure whether we can help, get in touch and we’ll talk it through.
You don’t need a referral to see an osteopath. You can book an assessment with us directly. At your first visit we’ll examine you, explain what we find and talk through your options. If osteopathy isn’t the right fit for you, we’ll tell you and suggest who can help.
Some problems do need your GP, for example if you need blood tests, scans or medication, or if your symptoms suggest an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. If we find this, we’ll refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most frequent issues we treat at the clinic. The rotator cuff consists of four small muscles that surround the shoulder joint, helping to stabilise it and enable precise rotational movements of the arm. Injuries to these muscles can range from strains and tears to chronic inflammation and overuse injuries.
These injuries can affect people of all ages. In younger individuals, rotator cuff injuries often result from overuse (such as during overhead activities like bowling or painting ceilings) or from trauma (such as a rugby tackle). As we age, the likelihood of injury increases due to the wear and tear on the tendons.
If you've strained or torn a rotator cuff muscle, you may experience pain and weakness when lifting or rotating your arm, and possibly pain even while resting or sleeping. Because these injuries can mimic other shoulder conditions, it's crucial to see an osteopath early on for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Subacromial Impingement
Subacromial impingement is a common shoulder issue we see at A1 Bodyworks Clinic. It happens when one of the rotator cuff tendons gets pinched or irritated as it moves through a tight space at the top of the shoulder. This can lead to pain, especially when you try to lift your arm or reach overhead. Sometimes, conditions like arthritis or bursitis can also develop in this same area, which makes it even harder to move your shoulder without discomfort. It’s easy to confuse subacromial bursitis with other shoulder problems like frozen shoulder, but we can help identify exactly what's going on through specific tests. If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, especially if it worsens with things like reaching, lifting, or even sleeping on the affected side, osteopathy can be a great option. Our team has a lot of experience with treating subacromial impingement, and many people find relief with osteopathic techniques. If you’re ready to tackle that shoulder pain, we’re here to help!
Labral Tear
If you have a labral tear, you might notice pain, weakness, a popping or clicking feeling, and a limited range of motion in your shoulder. Labral tears can be tricky because they often feel similar to other shoulder problems.
Any plan we agree will be tailored to you and may include advice and exercises you can do at home.
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis typically occurs in the shoulder, though it can also affect the elbow. It happens when the long, thin tendon in the upper arm becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to swelling inside the tendon sheath.
If you have biceps tendonitis, you’ll likely feel pain at the front of your shoulder, which may have developed after repetitive movements, or sometimes for no obvious reason. People who play overhead sports, have had prior shoulder injuries, or do manual labour are more prone to this condition.
Biceps tendonitis can be confused with other shoulder issues and often happens alongside rotator cuff injuries. Your osteopath will conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition. Treatment may include osteopathy to help ease pain, improve shoulder movement and build strength in the area.
Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation usually happens after a traumatic event, like a rugby tackle or falling off a bike. People with more flexibility (hypermobility) are more likely to experience this type of injury.
The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints because its socket is shallow. If you do dislocate your shoulder, it’s important not to try and put it back yourself. Instead, head straight to the nearest A&E, where they’ll check for any broken bones with an x-ray and safely relocate your shoulder.
In the meantime, you can use a sling or place a pillow between your arm and body for support until medical help arrives.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex, long-term condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body.
While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, exercise is often helpful in easing symptoms, though it can be difficult to do because of the pain involved. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience other conditions, such as headaches or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
At A1 Bodyworks Clinic, we understand that fibromyalgia affects everyone differently. That’s why we tailor our treatments to each individual, aiming to provide relief so you can better manage your symptoms and continue with daily activities as comfortably as possible.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Often referred to as 'wear and tear,' it can occur at any age, especially after an injury, but it is most common in those over 45.
The cartilage in the joint gradually thins, leading to more friction. While osteoarthritis is a normal part of ageing and many people may not experience symptoms, those who do often report stiffness, limited movement, and pain when moving the joint.
Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect multiple joints at once. If our osteopaths suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, they will refer you to your GP for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. While osteopathy can help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it often requires a combined approach with your GP due to its complexity.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, osteopathy alongside exercise may help ease arthritic pain and stiffness. For patients waiting for a joint replacement, we also offer “pre-hab” to help prepare the body for surgery.
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as Frozen Shoulder, is a relatively rare condition. The exact cause is unknown, but it's often linked to keeping the shoulder still for extended periods, like after surgery or when using a sling. You’re also more likely to develop frozen shoulder if you're a woman, over 40, or have diabetes.
Many shoulder issues can cause so much pain that movement is limited, and they can sometimes be mistaken for frozen shoulder. Our osteopaths will be able to assess your condition and determine if it's truly frozen shoulder.
Recovering from frozen shoulder takes time, and treatment can help, but the condition naturally progresses through three stages:
The Freezing Phase (First 6 months): During this stage, the shoulder becomes progressively more painful and movement becomes more restricted. Osteopathy can help preserve as much movement as possible during this phase.
The Frozen Phase (Second 6 months): In this stage, the shoulder is very stiff and less painful. While manual therapy might not be as effective, we can help manage pain and work on treating the neck and upper back, which may be compensating for the lack of shoulder movement.
The Thawing Phase (Final Stage): The pain starts to decrease, and movement gradually returns. This phase can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. This is where osteopathy may help most, as we work with you to improve movement and rebuild strength in the shoulder and surrounding muscles.
Osteopathy for shoulder pain in Runcorn, Frodsham & Widnes
We understand how much pain or discomfort can disrupt your daily life, and we’re here to help you move forward. By listening to your concerns and tailoring a treatment plan to your needs, our team is dedicated to improving your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. At A1 Bodyworks Clinic, your wellbeing is always our priority.
