Shoulder pain when lifting your arm is one of the most common reasons to seek osteopathic care. At Thrive Body Clinic, our experienced osteopath is here to help you understand the causes behind this discomfort and guide you back to a pain-free, active life. Below, we explore why shoulder pain occurs and how osteopathy can provide relief.

Understanding Shoulder Mechanics

The shoulder is a complex joint, designed to offer both mobility and stability. It consists of three bones—the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone)—which work together to allow a wide range of motion. While the shoulder’s flexibility is one of its strengths, it also makes the joint more vulnerable to dysfunction and instability.

Proper shoulder function relies heavily on the coordination of muscles around the joint. If these muscles aren’t working in harmony, it can lead to pain and issues such as impingement syndrome, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain when lifting your arm.

What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the space beneath the acromioclavicular (A/C) joint is narrowed, causing the tendons of the rotator cuff to rub against the bone. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement, especially when raising your arm. If you experience pain when lifting your arm to shoulder height or above, particularly if it’s persistent, you may be dealing with impingement syndrome.

Several factors can contribute to impingement syndrome, including:

• Rotator Cuff Strain: Tears or strains in the muscles responsible for shoulder stability can cause improper joint movement, leading to pain when lifting your arm. This strain can develop over time due to repetitive motion or occur suddenly during activities like lifting.
• Muscle Imbalances: Posture issues or muscle imbalances can lead to improper positioning of the shoulder joint, further narrowing the subacromial space and causing pain. Commonly, individuals with repetitive jobs like driving or desk work may develop such imbalances.
• Bursitis: The shoulder contains several fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which reduce friction in the joint. Overuse or improper movement can inflame these sacs, leading to pain and restricted shoulder motion.
• AC Joint Degeneration: The acromioclavicular (A/C) joint connects the scapula to the clavicle and can become arthritic over time, especially after injuries or repetitive use. This wear and tear can result in rough bone edges (spurs), which may irritate surrounding tissues when the arm is raised.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

At Thrive Body Clinic, our osteopath specialises in assessing and treating shoulder pain. We will perform a detailed examination to identify the root cause of your shoulder discomfort, whether it’s impingement, rotator cuff strain, or another issue. Osteopathic treatment may include:

• Manual Therapy: Techniques like massage and joint mobilization can relieve tension in tight muscles and improve mobility in restricted joints, reducing pain and improving shoulder function.
• Exercise Prescription: Tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, can help restore proper movement patterns and prevent future injury.

Other Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

While impingement syndrome is a frequent cause of shoulder pain, it’s not the only potential culprit. Here are a few other conditions that could explain why your shoulder hurts when you lift your arm:

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Initially, it may present similarly to impingement syndrome, but over time, the joint becomes increasingly restricted. Without treatment, frozen shoulder can take up to two years to fully resolve, though osteopathic care and exercise can help speed up recovery.
• Referred Pain: Sometimes, shoulder pain may be referred from other parts of the body, such as the neck. If the pain worsens with neck movement rather than shoulder movement, the problem may lie in the cervical spine, and treatment would focus on the neck and upper back.

What Should I Do If I Have Shoulder Pain?

If your shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, especially if it interferes with your work or daily activities, it’s important to seek professional help. Early assessment and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and lead to faster recovery. At Thrive Body Clinic, our osteopath can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

How Can Shoulder Pain Be Prevented?

Shoulder pain and dysfunction can often be prevented by taking the following steps:

• Avoid Overloading the Shoulder: Be mindful of repetitive or prolonged tasks that involve lifting or raising your arm. Taking regular breaks can prevent muscle fatigue and strain.
• Warm Up and Cool Down: Before engaging in sports or physical activities, especially those that involve throwing or explosive movements, ensure you properly warm up and stretch your shoulder muscles.
• Improve Range of Motion: Regularly performing stretches and exercises that improve mobility in the shoulder, upper back, neck, and ribs can help keep your shoulder functioning properly.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, don’t wait—book an appointment with Thrive Body Clinic today and let us help you get back to living a pain-free, active life.