Shoulder Pain & Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder pain (commonly called Rotator Cuff Tendonitis) presents as soreness, tension, weakness and / or stiffness in the shoulder, shoulder girdle region or upper arm. It is often aggravated by shoulder movement and overhead activities (eg, drying your hair), and can be related to neck pain and dysfunction.
Shoulder pain can be caused by inflammation of any of the shoulder joints, ligaments, muscles, or tendons; additional pain sources are the neck (discs / joints / soft tissues) and arm (mostly soft tissues). The condition may arise due to trauma, prolonged or repetitive overuse (sports), or unaccustomed exertion of the shoulder (DIY / gardening on the weekend). It is common in the over 50’s.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) presents similarly to the shoulder condition described above but with a very reduced shoulder range of motion and pain in all directions. A chronic condition, it can last for 12-24 months.
EVIDENCE
Scientific research showing the effectiveness of Chiropractic treatment and management for shoulder pain including frozen shoulder can be found in:
Van den Dolder PA, Roberts DL. A trial into the effectiveness of soft tissue massage in the treatment of shoulder pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2003; 49(3): 183-8.