Matthew Burrell N.D.
Naturopath and Neuromuscular Therapist
Shoulders are structurally and functionally complex in nature.
They consist of numerous structures designed to allow a free and full movement through the joint. Due to the complexities of the shoulder, it is not uncommon for injury to occur which can result in pain and dysfunction.
WHY ARE SHOULDERS SO COMPLEX?
The shoulder is a shallow ball and socket joint that is, unfortunately prone to injury. The joint can be likened to a golfer placing a ball on a tee before driving down the fairway.
The ball must sit directly atop of the tee to ensure that it is stable and does not roll off. Hence the shoulder utilises muscles (rotator cuff), ligaments and specialised cartilage (labrum) to stabilize the joint and assist in the fluent movement of the shoulder.
The rotator cuff comprises of four muscles, each with a role in the movement of the shoulder joint. Due to wear and tear and constant use of the shoulder these muscles become susceptible to muscle weakness and tendinopathy resulting in inflammation, pain and dysfunction.
BELOW ARE SOME REASONS WHY YOU MAY HAVE A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY:
- Have you been playing contact sports?
- Does your job require you to lift and work above your head?
- Are you carrying your kids around frequently?
- Is there a previous injury to your shoulder?
- Do you use your shoulder(s) in a repetitive action?
Shoulder pain can be debilitating and can affect you at any age. It can hinder your day-to-day activities and prevent you from doing things you love. If you find that you suffer from a dull ache in your shoulder, that may increase after sleeping on that side or you experience pain or weakness during activity you may have a rotator cuff injury.
What can help you to relieve your shoulder pain? - Reduce inflammation. This aids in a reduction of pain and stiffness as well as ensuring the range of movement that is required for a shoulder joint to heal. Natural anti-inflammatory medicines are all clinically tested for safety and efficacy.
- Enhance the healing process by providing the nutrients required for tissue repair. Supplements are concentrated versions of food that can help accelerate the healing process.
- Re-establishing range of motion post injury is an essential element of rehabilitation. Ensuring that you have your full range prior to muscle loading will reduce muscle guarding of the injury and prevent future injury. It also ensures that the articular surface of the joint receives its building blocks (joint surfaces are like sponges, they require movement to be able to absorb their food.)
- Carry out a rehabilitation program to increase the strength of the muscles to stabilise the shoulder and allow for future load.
Of course, all this advice is general so please reach out to discuss any concerns that you may have in relation to pain, discomfort, weakness and/or loss of range of your shoulder(s).
I would love to assist you further. So please feel free to contact me or make an appointment.
