Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder/ Adhesive Capsulitis:
Frozen Shoulder is a progressive and painful loss of shoulder range of motion which usually leads to decreased use of the affected shoulder. The cause is unknown. Treatment for this condition focuses on regaining lost motion as well as treatment for the pain experienced.

Treatment includes:
Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse.

Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser, interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture.

Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles or stabilize the joint.

Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area.

Broken Shoulder/ Proximal Humeral Fracture:
This fracture can occur with direct trauma to the shoulder or after falling on an outstretched hand. It is common in the elderly. Symptoms include a painful shoulder and pain with movement of the arm. If a fracture is suspected, consult a doctor.

Treatment includes:
Immobilization of the area until the fracture is stable. Often physiotherapy and mobilization of the shoulder is started before the fracture is fully healed to avoid the development of a frozen or stiff shoulder.

Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse.

Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser, interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture.

Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles or stabilize the joint.

Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area.

Calcified Tendon in the Shoulder/Calcified Tendonitis:
This condition occurs when your body lays down calcium abnormally in a tendon in the shoulder resulting in pain with arm movements, especially overhead. The cause is unknown.

Treatment includes:

Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse.

Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser, interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture.

Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles or stabilize the joint.

Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Bursitis (also known as Subacrominal Impingement Syndrome):
This injury accounts for 50-70 % of shoulder injuries. It is a pinching of one of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles as it passes between the bones that make up the shoulder resulting in inflammation and pain, usually with overhead activities. If the fluid-filled sac (bursa) below the tendon becomes inflamed, it is referred to as bursitis.

Treatment includes:

Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse.

Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser, interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture.

Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles or stabilize the joint. Postural exercises may be needed to improve the position of the shoulder blade (for example, rounded shoulders).

Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area.

Postural taping may be involved.

Separated Shoulder/ Acromioclavicular Sprain:
This is a common injury in athletes which occurs when the shoulder impacts a hard surface, such as a hockey player hitting the boards. It is a stretching of the ligaments that hold the collarbone and shoulder blade together at the tip of the shoulder region. The ligaments can be partially or fully torn. Symptoms include tenderness over the affected joint, decreased range of motion and strength of the shoulder, and a step deformity between the 2 bones.

Treatment includes:

Education about the condition and how to avoid making it worse.

Therapeutic modalities to improve circulation and/or reduce inflammation and pain such as ultrasound, laser, interferential current, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture.

Exercises to stretch or strengthen the appropriate muscles or stabilize the joint.

Manual therapy to improve the movement in the area.

Athletic taping to protect the healing joint.