At our central Oxford clinic we see patients with shoulder pain from a diverse range of causes. Overuse, be it from heavy lifting, exercise or overdoing the gardening, can cause is pain in the shoulder or upper arm that stems from a rotator cuff problem. These patients often report pain when lifting their arm, lying on it or when using the sore muscle.
We treat patients of all ages, and see that age can be a factor in progressive shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis is the progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the (shoulder) joint leading to the two bones of the joint rubbing together and causing pain. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, aching and sharp, stabbing pains. Patients who have had previous trauma or shoulder surgery are the most likely to develop osteoarthritis in later life.
We have helped patients with a wide range of other conditions that cause shoulder pain, including shoulder instability following dislocation, and ‘frozen shoulder’ or adhesive capsulitis. Here a painful and gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule (the tissue that surrounds your shoulder joint) can make the shoulder so stiff and painful that it limits your ability to use your arm in everyday activities.
Shoulder problems are often complex and can take a long time to resolve. In your first appointment at Central Oxford Osteopathy, one of our osteopaths will work with you to understand the cause of your shoulder problem and tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. We can use a wide range of gentle manual treatments depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis including massage, rhythmical articulation and stretching techniques to try and improve the movement in your shoulder and reduce tension in any tight muscles. We may massage and loosen the joints of the neck and upper and mid back and shoulder blade area. We may extend this to massage of your low back and hips if we feel they are contributing to your shoulder pain.
Your long term recovery is important to us. Once we have treated your immediate pain at the clinic, we will help you maintain your recovery by recommending gentle exercise and stretches you can do at home to strengthen or loosen your shoulder. We may offer advice on your lifestyle particularly if we feel there is a repetitive activity that may be triggering your shoulder pain. We may also offer advice on your posture and provide advice on diet and exercise.
If you think we can help you with your pain, then book to see an osteopath at our Oxford clinic today.
Acknowledgement: with thanks to Institute of Osteopathy for data and sources.
Jamie treated my neck, gave me exercises to repeat and probably more importantly, convinced me I had a healthy spine. Within
two weeks I was a new woman, and have been pain free for weeks and weeks."
- Bobbie, 56
"After twisting my back when picking up my daughter, I was struggling to walk. I had two sessions with Jamie and have continued
with the exercises which he suggested. A month later, my back feels great and the pain has completely gone."
- Chris, 33
"For the first time in years I am no longer taking pain killers and able to sleep through the night"
- Anna, violinist with Roxy Music, 26
As we announced last month, Central Oxford Osteopathy is moving… but not far. We’re putting the finishing touches to our brand new, permanent clinic space and are nearly ready to open our doors. From Read More...
Jamie Dearing | 15 June, 2021