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Shoulder pain is a common issue, often caused by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis in the shoulder occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, especially with movements like lifting the arm or reaching behind the back. The gradual loss of cartilage also reduces the joint’s flexibility, making everyday activities like dressing or reaching for objects increasingly difficult.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the shoulder. In RA, the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. This can
lead to joint damage over time if left untreated, contributing to stiffness and decreased range of motion.
The shoulder is particularly vulnerable to arthritis because it is a highly mobile joint, supporting a wide range of movements. It bears the strain of repetitive use, injury, and aging, all of which can contribute to arthritis development. Additionally, factors such as genetic predisposition, previous injuries, and overuse can increase the likelihood of arthritis affecting the shoulder joint. As a result, shoulder arthritis is a leading cause of pain and limited function in many individuals, especially older adults.
Shoulder pain can persist for many reasons, often due to an underlying condition like arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, or poor posture. One of the main reasons people struggle to fix shoulder pain is that they don’t address the root cause. Many focus on masking symptoms with painkillers or rest, without improving the movement and strength of the shoulder joint. Without a targeted approach, like physiotherapy, the pain can continue to flare up, and the underlying issues – such as weak muscles, misalignment, or poor mechanics – remain unresolved.
Another challenge is the gradual progression of the problem. Early signs of shoulder pain might seem manageable, but as time goes on, the pain can become more intense and limit your ability to perform daily tasks. Without proper intervention, like manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and joint mobilization, shoulder pain can cause long-term damage, including muscle imbalances, limited range of motion, and even permanent joint damage.
If left untreated, chronic shoulder pain can affect your overall quality of life, making it difficult to perform basic activities, like dressing, lifting objects, or playing with children and grandchildren. It can also impact your posture, leading to secondary issues such as neck or back pain. Early, effective treatment is key to preventing these long-term consequences.
Many of the grandparents we care for at Essex Coast Physio share that the “straw that broke the camel’s back” was experiencing pain when holding their new grandchild. They don’t want their shoulder pain to tarnish such a special moment. They know that as their grandchildren grow and become more active, they will want to be deeply involved in their care. Allowing shoulder pain to persist and worsen, something that could have been treated early on, is not something we should just accept.
We are passionate about ensuring that this is not the future for our patients. We often use treatment modalities like gentle joint manipulation to restore shoulder movement and provide robust rehabilitation and exercise plans to strengthen the shoulder. Even if physiotherapy alone doesn’t get you 100% better, we will make sure to get you 80-90% of the way. And for any remaining improvements, we ensure appropriate referrals are made so you get the outcome you deserve.
If You’re Ready to Relieve Your Arthritis Pain, Here’s How We Can Help
Download Our Free Arthritis Reports
You don’t have to let arthritis pain dictate your life. At Essex Coast Physio, we provide free educational resources to help you take control of your health. Explore our social media for expert tips or download our free arthritis reports to learn practical ways to manage and reduce your pain.
Arrange a Free Telephone Consultation
Looking for personalised advice? Book a free telephone consultation to discuss your concerns and explore how we can support your recovery. Whether you need guidance or want to understand your options, we’re here to help you take the first step toward a pain-free life.
Arrange a Free Discovery Visit
For a more in-depth assessment, schedule a free joint health assessment at our clinic. Meet with me or one of our team members for an obligation-free discussion about your concerns and how we can help you achieve lasting relief.
Simply Complete The Short Form and We’ll Email You Your FREE REPORT
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