The most common shoulder complaints

Shoulder pain can have several causes. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is overuse of the shoulder girdle. Muscles, tendons or parts of the capsule can become irritated here and cause pain. Another reason for shoulder pain is due to an immediate moment such as after a fall or collision with an object or perhaps opponent on the sports field. Furthermore, like other joints in our body, the shoulder is also subject to ageing, which can cause complaints.

Our therapists at Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg see different types of complaints, but the most common are:

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): In this, the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes stiffer and tighter, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Shoulder impingement - sub acromial pain syndrome: This happens when tendons or bursas in the shoulder become irritated when moving the arm. Although the term impingement is still used, we know that it is not so much an entrapment but more symptoms due to tendonitis in the shoulder.
• Rotator cuff injury: These are damage to the tendons of the muscles that stabilise the shoulder. This can occur due to overuse or a sudden movement where the forces are large enough to actually damage a tendon.
• Instability of the shoulder: This occurs when the shoulder partially or completely dislocates, often due to an injury or accident.

It can be tempting to ignore shoulder pain, hoping it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, shoulder pain, if not treated properly, can lead to persistent symptoms. At Fysio Fitaal, we recommend coming in if your shoulder pain persists for longer than 3 weeks or if the pain hinders you so much in daily activities such as sports, work or lifting.

Our therapists can help you by:

• Provide a targeted diagnosis based on your specific symptoms.
• Establish a treatment plan aimed at your recovery and prevention of future complaints.
• Apply specific exercises and mobilisation techniques for pain relief and faster recovery.
• Give advice to prevent recurrence of symptoms and improve your posture.

Physiotherapy is often the first step in treating shoulder pain. At Fysio Fitaal, we use different techniques depending on the cause of the pain. Here are some treatment methods we often use:

1. Massage: Aimed at reducing pain in the surrounding muscles and tendons in the shoulder area.
2. Exercise therapy: This focuses on activating the muscles around the shoulder joint to improve stability and prevent future complaints.
3. Mobilisation techniques: Our therapists use specific mobilisation techniques to increase shoulder range of motion, especially important in conditions such as frozen shoulder.

At Fysio Fitaal Tilburg, we also use ultrasound to complement our treatments. Ultrasound allows us to properly image the soft tissues in the shoulder such as tendons, muscles and bursas. This helps us make a more accurate diagnosis, especially for complaints such as rotator cuff injuries or inflammation.

Although ultrasound is a valuable tool, we want to stress that it cannot diagnose all problems. Not all structures in the shoulder are equally visible with ultrasound. Therefore, clinical examination by our therapists remains a crucial part of the diagnosis. Ultrasound is a tool and not a substitute for a full examination of the shoulder.

As an athlete, you may experience shoulder pain due to overuse or injury. Think of sports such as swimming, tennis, or strength training. At Fysio Fitaal Tilburg, we regularly see athletes with shoulder pain caused by repetitive movements or a sudden injury.

Our therapists are experienced in treating shoulder problems in athletes. We ensure that you not only make a lasting recovery, but also come back stronger. We tailor your treatment plan to your sport and give advice on how to prevent overuse in the future.

At Fysio Fitaal, it's not just about treating your pain symptoms, but also about preventing future problems. Our therapists offer personal attention and work with you towards a sustainable recovery. We put together a tailor-made treatment plan that suits your symptoms and goals. Moreover, we offer exercises and advice you can work with at home to ensure that your symptoms do not return.

Shoulder pain can limit you considerably in your daily life, but with the right physiotherapy treatment, recovery is quite possible. At Fysio Fitaal Tilburg, our therapists will help you get rid of your shoulder pain quickly and effectively, whether it's sports injuries, a frozen shoulder, or a rotator cuff injury. Through physiotherapy, ultrasound and targeted exercises, we will work together on your recovery and ensure that you remain symptom-free.

Are you suffering from shoulder pain and would like to be helped by an experienced physiotherapist? Then contact Fysio Fitaal Tilburg and find out how we can help you move pain-free again.