Shoulder Physio Perth

Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, allowing a wide range of motion for activities like reaching, lifting, and rotating your arm. This flexibility comes from a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the arm bone (humerus) fits into the shallow socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). Surrounding this joint are muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including the rotator cuff—a group of four muscles that help stabilise and move the shoulder. However, this mobility makes the shoulder more vulnerable to injury, especially if the muscles supporting it become weak or poorly controlled. Proper functioning of the rotator cuff muscles, tendons, and ligaments is essential to maintain stability and prevent dysfunction particularly when this area of your body is under demand.

Shoulder pain can manifest in various ways, depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or aching pain that may worsen with movement
• Weakness or instability in the shoulder joint
• Limited range of motion or difficulty lifting your arm
• Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder
• Clicking or popping sounds with movement
• Pain radiating down the arm or into the neck

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to seek shoulder pain treatment with a trusted Perth shoulder physio.

• Rotator Cuff Syndrome: Injuries like rotator cuff impingement, tears, and tendonitis can cause pain and limit movement, ranging from mild inflammation to severe injuries that may require surgery.
• Shoulder Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is common, especially in older adults, resulting from wear and tear on the shoulder joint over time. This may or may not lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Shoulder Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder, becomes inflamed. This often happens due to shoulder impingement, sometimes causing pain with movement.
• Dislocated Shoulder: Trauma, like a fall or sports injury, can cause the shoulder’s ball joint to be forced out of its socket, leading to severe pain and inability to move the arm.

• Preventing shoulder pain is possible with some simple lifestyle changes and exercises that strengthen the shoulder muscles and protect the joint from injury:
  • Strengthen the rotator cuff: Engage in regular exercises that target the muscles responsible for stabilising your shoulder.
  • Improve your posture: Avoid slouching or prolonged poor posture that can strain your shoulders and upper back.
  • Take frequent breaks: If your work involves repetitive movements, take regular breaks to avoid overuse injuries.
  • Use proper technique in sports: Ensure your technique is correct during activities that place strain on the shoulder, such as lifting, swimming, or throwing sports.
  • Warm up before exercise: Properly warm up before engaging in physical activities to prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.

During your session, your physio will conduct a thorough assessment of your shoulder, including evaluating your range of motion, strength, and areas of pain. Based on this, they will create a customised treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercises, dry needling, or joint mobilisation to help reduce pain and restore function. In some cases, additional treatments like taping may be recommended.

The recovery timeline varies depending on the severity and cause of your shoulder pain. Mild strains may improve within a few weeks of consistent physio for shoulder pain, while more serious injuries like rotator cuff tears or dislocations may require longer rehabilitation. Your physio will guide you through your specific recovery timeline, which may also include treatments like dry needling or, in some cases, referrals for corticosteroid injections to manage inflammation and pain.

If shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks or significantly limits your movement and daily activities, it’s time to see a physiotherapist. This is especially true if your pain is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, instability, or if it worsens over time. A physio can assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs, helping you restore strength, mobility, and function. Early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues and ensuring a quicker recovery.

Your physio may recommend specific exercises tailored to your condition, but common preventive exercises include rotator cuff strengthening, shoulder blade stabilisation exercises, and gentle stretches to improve flexibility. These exercises help support the shoulder and reduce the risk of injury.

Yes, physiotherapy is crucial for post-surgical recovery. After shoulder surgery, such as rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement, a physio will guide you through a structured rehabilitation program to restore mobility, strength, and function. This tailored plan ensures a safe and effective recovery, helping you regain shoulder use as quickly as possible.

It depends on the severity and cause of your shoulder pain. While some activities may aggravate your condition, there are safe exercises that your physio can guide you through to maintain your fitness and support your recovery. Minimise movements that cause pain, and focus on exercises that strengthen the shoulder without further injury.