Shoulder

Introduction to

Shoulder

The Shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, the main part of which is a ball and socket joint (the gleno-humeral joint). It is surrounded by strong fibrous soft tissue which is integral to strength, flexibility and stability of the joint. The joint is surrounded by a group of muscles known as the rotator cuff, which add further stability and controls the motion.

What causes Shoulder pain?

The shoulder is a complex joint and pain can be caused by a number of different structures. There are a variety of possible reasons for a person to experience pain in this region. Pain can be caused by inflammation in the joint caused by arthritis, or from a muscle injury to the rotator cuff. It can also be due to problems elsewhere, such as a neck issue or from a joint such as the acromio-clavicular joint which is nearby. The onset of the pain can be a good indicator of what structures might be at fault and a thorough assessment is usually required to examine this joint.

What can be done to help?

Medication can be a useful first step in helping to relieve pain in the shoulder. This can be discussed with your GP or Pharmacist. Another early intervention which is often encouraged is Physiotherapy. A specialist assessment can give a good indication of what might help a shoulder problem recover. Often techniques used by Physiotherapists such as manual therapies and exercise prescription can assist in the rehabilitation process. Sometimes further assessment is required in order to establish the exact cause of the problem. This can include scans (ultrasound, MRI, X-ray) or seeing a shoulder specialist consultant.

What exercises can I try?

Due to the complexity of the shoulder, and the variety of possible problems, it is very difficult to prescribe exercises that will help recovery from a shoulder problem. We recommend seeing one of our Physiotherapist's who will be able to show you the correct exercises for your individual needs. Often, a few simple exercises done correctly can go a long way to alleviate shoulder problems.

At White House Clinic, we offer a specialist service for patients with Shoulder & Elbow pain.

Whether its chronic or acute pain, our team of specialists have vast experience in diagnosing and treating shoulder and elbow pathology. We are able to ensure that your pathway from injury/pain onset to getting back to your optimum health is achieved in the best possible way. Our specialist Shoulder & Elbow service offers:

Expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment from in-house Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP’s)
Direct and rapid access to investigative and scanning facilities
Direct referral links to the most renowned Orthopaedic Specialists in the region
Direct access to state-of-the-art Gym and Rehabilitation facilities
Appropriate service for both conservative and surgical intervention patient pathways

Common Shoulder Pathologies That We Treat

Shoulder Osteo-Arthritis (OA)
Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain (Tendinopathies, Tears/Partial Tears, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome)
Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder Dislocations/Separations
Fractured Head of Humerus
Fractured Clavicle‍‍
Shoulder/Acromio-Clavicular Joint Ligament Sprains
Pre-operative Rehabilitation
Post-operative Rehabilitation

Treatments We Offer