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How Do I Stop My Shoulder Hurting While I Sleep?

11/9/2024

 
If you've ever struggled with shoulder pain at night, you know how frustrating it can be to find a comfortable sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your side or back, the pain can keep you tossing and turning, leading to poor rest and discomfort in the morning. Stiffness upon waking, soreness with movement—especially reaching overhead—and even a loss of strength in the affected arm are all common complaints. This deep discomfort within the shoulder joint is often associated with bursitis, a condition that Myotherapists can treat using non-invasive techniques.
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What is Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the joints, becomes inflamed. The bursa in the shoulder helps reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones during movement. However, when this sac becomes irritated due to overuse, injury, or repetitive strain, it can lead to painful inflammation. The result? Aching, soreness, and stiffness, especially when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder.

Bursitis can be caused by various factors, including spending too long in certain postures or positions, repetitive motions (like throwing or lifting), or even direct injury. It may also develop gradually due to general wear and tear. People with bursitis often experience pain when raising their arm above shoulder height, which can make simple tasks like dressing or reaching difficult. Sleeping becomes a challenge as pressure on the inflamed bursa often exacerbates the pain, making it hard to find a position that offers relief.

How Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Bursitis?
While many people turn to their GP for a diagnosis and are often recommended cortisone injections, Myotherapy offers a more conservative and holistic approach to shoulder bursitis treatment. Myotherapists are skilled in assessing musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and they use a range of non-invasive techniques that can help manage bursitis without the need for injections or surgery.

Hands-On Techniques: Myotherapy treatments often include a combination of:
  • Massage therapy to release tight muscles and reduce pressure on the shoulder joint.
  • Myofascial release, which targets the connective tissue (fascia) to reduce pain and improve mobility.
  • Cupping to increase blood flow and promote healing in the affected area.
  • Dry needling, which involves inserting fine needles into trigger points to relieve muscle tension.
  • Taping to provide support and stability to the shoulder while it heals.
These hands-on techniques work to reduce inflammation and pain, improve range of motion, and enhance blood flow to the affected area. As a result, patients often find relief from their symptoms, including the ability to sleep more comfortably.

Exercise Prescription: Alongside manual therapies, Myotherapists will often prescribe exercises specific to your type of pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, reduce strain on the bursa, and prevent further aggravation. Strengthening and mobility exercises help restore function while also preventing recurrence of the injury.

Consistency is Key: One of the most important aspects of treating shoulder bursitis is maintaining consistency with treatment and prescribed exercises. Unlike a cortisone injection, which may provide temporary relief, Myotherapy addresses the underlying issues contributing to the bursitis. By attending regular sessions and keeping up with your exercises, you can significantly improve your chances of recovery without needing to rely on steroids or surgery.

The Importance of a Diagnosis
While Myotherapists can treat shoulder pain effectively, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis to ensure you're addressing the right issue. A definite diagnosis of shoulder bursitis usually requires an ultrasound. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, your GP may refer you for imaging to confirm bursitis and rule out other conditions like tendon tears or arthritis. Once diagnosed, GPs often recommend cortisone injections as a first-line treatment to reduce inflammation.

However, many patients prefer to explore conservative care options before jumping straight into steroid injections, and that’s where Myotherapy comes in. Myotherapists can work alongside your GP to develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further injury—all without invasive interventions.

Finding Relief While You Sleep
Shoulder bursitis can make sleeping a painful ordeal. Here are some tips to help you find relief and sleep more comfortably:
  • Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder: Sleeping on your sore shoulder puts pressure on the bursa, increasing inflammation and pain. Try sleeping on your back or your opposite side, using pillows for support.
  • Use a supportive pillow: A well-placed pillow under your arm or shoulder can help maintain a neutral position and reduce strain.
  • Anti Inflammatory creams: Applying an anti inflammatory cream to your shoulder before bed can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain, making it easier to settle down for sleep. Make sure to check with your pharmacist whether these readily available over the counter creams like Voltaren or Nurofen are safe and suitable for you, and always follow the instructions on the label or directed by the pharmacist.

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain at night, it may be worth considering Myotherapy as a treatment option. With hands-on techniques like massage, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling, combined with exercise prescription, Myotherapists offer a non-invasive, conservative approach to managing shoulder bursitis. Consistency in treatment and exercise can lead to long-term pain relief, restoring your shoulder's function without the need for injections or surgery. If you suspect shoulder bursitis, an ultrasound from your GP can confirm the diagnosis, but Myotherapy provides a gentle and effective alternative to more invasive treatments.

Our therapists help people every week with bursitis. Book online to start the process of treating your shoulder pain.

what can i do about thoracic outlet syndrome?

19/3/2024

 
By Duke Autret, Myotherapist

If your doctor has diagnosed you with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), you may be wondering what to do next to treat the pain, numbness or tingling in your neck, shoulder or arm.

​Lets first look at what this condition is, in easy to understand terms. We'll also look at another condition called Scapulocostal Syndrome that shares similar symptoms.  Then we will look at the ways a Myotherapist can help you with the neck, shoulder, arm or hand symptoms you're experiencing, whether its from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Scapulocostal Syndrome.
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What is TOS?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition characterised by compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet area, located between the collarbone and the first rib. This compression can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. 

Causes & Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
TOS can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
  1. Anatomical Variations: Certain anatomical features, such as a narrow thoracic outlet or an extra rib (cervical rib), can predispose individuals to TOS.
  2. Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive movements of the arms or shoulders, such as typing or carrying heavy loads, can contribute to muscle imbalances and compression of the thoracic outlet structures.
  3. Trauma or Injury: Accidents or injuries, such as whiplash injuries or fractures of the collarbone or ribs, can also lead to TOS.

Common symptoms of TOS include:
  • Pain, numbness, or tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Weakness (or even muscle wasting) in the affected arm
  • Coldness or changes in skin temperature in the affected arm
  • Swelling or discolouration of the arm

Scapulocostal Syndrome is a Related Condition
Scapulocostal Syndrome, also known as snapping scapula syndrome, shares similarities with TOS. It involves excess tension, trigger points, irritation or inflammation of the soft tissues between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the ribs, resulting in pain behind the shoulder blade and upper back with sometimes audible or palpable snapping or clicking sensations during shoulder movement.

Commonalities Between TOS and Scapulocostal Syndrome
  1. Muscle Imbalances: Both conditions can result from muscle imbalances or poor posture, leading to compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet or between the scapula and ribs.
  2. Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive shoulder movements or overhead activities can exacerbate symptoms in both TOS and scapulocostal syndrome.
  3. Symptoms: Similar symptoms may occur in both conditions, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected arm, shoulder blade or shoulder region.

Myotherapy Interventions for TOS and Scapulocostal Syndrome:
Targeted Manual Techniques
  1. Soft Tissue Manipulation: Myotherapists utilise soft tissue manipulation techniques to release tension and alleviate compression of the brachial plexus (nerve bundle) in the thoracic outlet or between the scapula and ribs.
  2. Trigger Point Therapy: Targeted pressure on specific muscle points helps relieve pain and improve range of motion of the muscles and joints in the affected areas.
Postural Correction and Strengthening Exercises
  1. Postural Awareness: Myotherapists educate individuals on proper posture and ergonomic principles to reduce strain on the thoracic outlet or scapulocostal region.
  2. Strengthening Exercises: Tailored exercises strengthen the muscles surrounding the thoracic outlet or scapulocostal area, improving stability and reducing compression.
  3. Nerve Glides: These are exercises to help the nerves lengthen and/or slide freely throughout their pathways and relieve compression induced symptoms. 


Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Scapulocostal Syndrome can significantly impact daily life, causing pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. Myotherapy offers tailored interventions to address the underlying muscle imbalances, reduce compression, and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

​If you're experiencing symptoms of TOS or scapulocostal syndrome or you've been given the diagnosis by your GP, consulting a qualified myotherapist is the first step towards finding relief and improving your overall well-being.
Take proactive steps towards a pain-free life today and book a time with a great Myotherapist here at Simple Wellness Myotherapy.

Why Is My Shoulder So Sore? It Could Be Bursitis!

22/5/2023

 
Bursitis is a really common cause of persistent shoulder pain. It can cause significant discomfort and limit our ability to perform daily activities. This common condition, characterised by inflammation of the shoulder's bursa, often results from repetitive motions or injury. In this blog post, we will explore what shoulder bursitis entails, its symptoms, and how myotherapy can play a crucial role in its effective treatment.
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The shoulder joint is surrounded by small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa, which act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles. With a normal, well-functioning bursa, shoulder movement is smooth, effortless and without pain.
When these bursae become inflamed, it leads to a condition known as bursitis, and it can cause a lot of highly sensitive pain. Repetitive overhead movements or a direct trauma like a fall onto your outstretched arm can cause irritation of the bursa and surrounding tissue, and this can result in pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion. Additionally, factors like 
muscle imbalances and spending a long time in a position that strains the shoulder can contribute to the development of bursitis.

Bursitis typically feels worse at certain points in the day - the first thing in the morning is often a time of stiffness and increased pain, with that sensation easing somewhat as you begin moving. After a period of inactivity it can become sensitive again, or following overexertion or repetitive activities. Inflammation makes the area feel irritated, stiff, achey, and sore.

Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that targets the soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As Myotherapists, we aim to relieve your pain, restore your mobility, and promote healing through a variety of techniques, tailored to your specific needs. In the case of shoulder bursitis, myotherapy can provide several benefits.
  1. Pain Relief: Myotherapists use hands-on techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping and joint mobilisation to alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension associated with bursitis. These techniques help increase blood circulation, promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Reducing strain on the bursa and its surrounding soft tissue can help decrease the pain sensation and speed up the healing process.
  2. Muscle Balance and Strengthening: Myotherapy focuses on identifying and addressing muscle imbalances that may contribute to shoulder bursitis. Through targeted exercises and stretching, myotherapists help restore balance and strengthen weakened muscles, reducing stress on the bursa and improving overall shoulder stability. We'll always customise your exercise plan to your current symptoms to make sure that we start at the right level of intensity for you - if we go too hard, too quick it can make things worse not better, so always ask your favourite Myotherapist where to start with your rehab program!
  3. Range of Motion Improvement: Restricted range of motion is a common symptom of shoulder bursitis. Myotherapy techniques, including gentle joint mobilisation and stretching, help restore the shoulder's flexibility and mobility. By gradually increasing the joint's range, myotherapy aids in the healing process and prevents further complications.
  4. Body Mechanics: Our choice of postures and positions can contribute to shoulder bursitis by placing excessive strain on the shoulder joint. Myotherapists assess and correct muscular imbalances, teaching proper body mechanics to reduce stress on the affected area.
  5. Preventative Measures: Myotherapy is not only beneficial during the acute phase of bursitis but also plays a crucial role in preventing its recurrence. Myotherapists educate patients on self-care techniques, such as stretching exercises, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle modifications, to maintain a healthy shoulder joint.

Shoulder bursitis can be a debilitating condition, limiting our daily activities and causing persistent pain. While traditional treatments focus on symptom management, myotherapy offers a holistic approach to shoulder bursitis treatment. By addressing muscle imbalances, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving range of motion, myotherapy helps individuals regain functionality and prevent future complications. If you're experiencing shoulder bursitis, consulting with our qualified myotherapists can be a valuable step towards finding relief and embarking on the path to recovery. Remember, early intervention and consistent treatment are key to effectively managing shoulder bursitis and restoring your quality of life.

Book a time with our wonderful myotherapists or phone our clinic on 03 8204 0970 for more information.

Rotator Cuff Strain and SHoulder Impingement

22/2/2023

 
By Duke Autret, Myotherapist

In this article we will discuss Shoulder Impingement and Rotator cuff strains together since although there are distinctions they also have some overlap.

In terms of the anatomy of the shoulder the rotator cuff consists of a group of 4 deep shoulder muscles which run from the shoulder blade, across the ball and socket joint of the shoulder (Glenohumeral Joint) and attach into the ball part of the upper arm bone (Humerus). This group, collectively known as the rotator cuff is indeed a ‘cuff’ that sits around the shoulder joint and which supports the muscle actions of rotating the ball in the socket at this joint, however, in reality the rotator cuff’s function is more involved with the stabilisation of the Glenohumeral joint rather than its rotation.
​

Another muscle that we will look at here is the Biceps of your upper arm. A well known muscle for sure, its function is to show off how strong you are… and more specifically, to bend your elbow. They are actually two muscles hence ‘bi-ceps’ ('bi' indicating 'two', and 'ceps' indicating 'heads') and it’s generally the inside bicep (biceps long head) muscle which can be implicated when it comes to shoulder impingement syndromes.
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Image sourced from https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/rotator-cuff-disorders-the-facts/

So what are the overlaps and distinctions of these two conditions?
Generally speaking, the rotator cuff strain refers to some tearing (or micro-tearing) of the muscle/s or tendon/s and graded 1-3 depending on the severity, and is mostly the result of an trauma incident (an injury sustained while using the arm or preventing a fall etc).
And since we are discussing the rotator cuff it would want to be further determined which of the 4 muscles or combination thereof is/are involved.
    

Now ‘Shoulder Impingement’ on the other hand, can also be graded similarly however  tends more to be the tendons of either the Biceps long head muscle and/or one of the rotator cuff muscles that are implicated via impingement (being pinched) between the bones of the ball of the upper arm and the shoulder blade when lifting or using the arm above shoulder or head height, and usually is a gradual onset that has to do with a change in the biomechanics (movement patterns) of the affected shoulder.        

When dealing with rotator cuff strains in the acute phase we will advise you on the care options and may work on the adjacent regions compensating for the injury as well and light treatment to the area itself to support its healing. Our plan in early stage care is to reduce pain and restore mobility, while also supporting the stability of the joint while the stabilising muscles are recovering. This can mean our treatment at this stage includes things like gentle manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, gentle mobilisation and passive movements, and taping for stability and to let those injured muscles have a chance to recover.

In the later stages we apply more direct work on the specific rotator cuff muscles to ensure the minimisation of any scarring in the muscle tissues and promote the fullest possible recovery. This is where we start to see the sensitivity of your shoulder has already dropped, and we can start to provide some strengthening protocols for you to rebuild the conditioning of your shoulder. Of course, this is always going to be dependent on your unique situation, and we'll find appropriate treatment options for each stage of your recovery. Theres no one size fits all with this.

  
The treatment plan will also vary depending if your injury is within the muscle fibres or if there is more tendon involvement, whether that be Rotator cuff tendons or Biceps. We will provide you with additional support for integrating movements and exercises to rehab them back to their functional strength. Tendons can take some time to completely recover, and need to be gradually loaded and strengthened.

Personally I find working with shoulder injuries satisfying as they are one of the more complex joints in the human body with lots of movement possible but where so many different things can go awry, and I enjoy seeing them regain all that movement potential.

If this has left you wondering about either of these conditions applying to you and you're looking for some help please feel free to come see me at Simple Wellness Myotherapy in Rowville. I'm available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays - you can find a time with me online or just give us a call on 03 8204 0970 and we can find you a time that suits and book you in over the phone.

What Can I Do About Frozen Shoulder?

8/12/2022

 
By Duke Autret

Frozen Shoulder can be painful, physically limiting and downright annoying. It can be a difficult condition to treat, but with persistence can improve. Lets look at what it is and what can be done about it.
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This condition is also called Adhesive Capsulitis, and is where the shoulder and more specifically the Glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint capsule of the shoulder starts to become painful and restricted in its movements. It can become so stiffened that it can progressively become ‘frozen’ or unable to move in most directions - especially external rotation (like trying to put your hands behind your head), abduction (out to the side and up like snow angels), internal rotation (like reaching down and behind your back to scratch a shoulder blade) and flexion (lifting the arm up like an underarm throw and then all the way till you’re putting your hands up!). 

This condition's medical causation is not well understood but it’s more likely to occur over the age of 40 and where there is prolonged immobility of a shoulder or where there has been a previous history of trauma to a shoulder, and most especially, when these factors are combined, although it can certainly occur without any obvious factors as well.  

Often it includes a progression through distinct stages; a freezing stage, a frozen stage, and finally a thawing stage. 
In the first stage things are acute and the shoulder will be quite painful with the movements previously listed, in fact it can be painful with any shoulder use when its at its most aggravated, however there is still some ability to move through the pain and the ranges of motion. 
In the second stage the pain may or may not diminish completely, however there is no ability to move the shoulder joint through these full ranges of motion, and typically, to compensate, people start using their shoulder blade instead to move and shrug their shoulder up a lot, in an attempt to get more range. Tilting from the torso to angle the arm and shoulder up is also a compensation pattern we see in this stage.
The third stage is when the shoulder (at the Glenohumeral joint) spontaneously begins to improve, when pain gradually subsides and the range of motion returns to varying degrees.

At this points it’s crucial to note, if it’s a true frozen shoulder you’re suffering with, that even without any intervention of any kind, about 60% of cases will resolve, almost and sometimes completely, by themselves after 2-3 years, 90% within 3-4 years, and otherwise up to 7 years according to longitudinal studies from the like of Oxford and from clinical data.  

How can you tell if its frozen shoulder, or another type of shoulder condition? If some of these symptoms of pain and extreme shoulder mobility limitation sound familiar you may want to seek a clear confirmation that it’s not due to some kind of shoulder Arthritis or a rotator cuff condition - often x-rays or ultrasound imaging can help to rule these out. These types of imaging can be ordered by your GP, and the results can help inform the types of treatment that will be most beneficial in getting you moving better.

If you have been diagnosed with a frozen shoulder then you're likely wondering what should be done with it?
Although we already mentioned the good news about spontaneous resolution to this problem, the better news is that conservative and non-invasive treatments such as myotherapy, massage and mobilisation can be very helpful and effective in reducing the time for this process, especially when combined with some home stretching and exercise therapy.

As well as our treatments in the clinic we can provide you with a few choice at-home Mobilisations & Stretches and advise you on the good use of heat before and after to get things moving in the right direction again.

It has to be said that this is a condition I ‘enjoy’ working with, because with some regular sessions together and your commitment to the treatment and exercises it has an excellent prognosis, down from 3-7 years to 6-24 months! Frozen shoulder is certainly a condition that requires consistency and patience. Another key element includes modification to your daily activities to avoid continuous aggravation of the area - this is something we can discuss during your treatment, and we can find easy ways of helping you adapt while your frozen shoulder is on its way to thawing.

If yourself or anyone you know is currently suffering with a Frozen shoulder, please come and see us, we are here to help. Book your first appointment online or phone our clinic on 03 8204 0970 to reserve a time to begin the process.

What Do I Do About A Rotator Cuff?

13/4/2022

 
We see plenty of people who come in and tell us "I have a rotator cuff", but we know what they mean is "My shoulder hurts, and I might have injured one of the muscles".

The Rotator Cuff itself isn't the injury. Its an essential group of four muscles that stabilise and move your shoulder joint.

What should you do if you've injured your Rotator Cuff muscles? The same as any other injury - book in with your favourite Myotherapists to have us assess the area so we can help you determine what type of injury you have, and follow our treatment plan to let is heal and recover.
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Image sourced from: https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/rotator-cuff-disorders-the-facts/

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—work together to stabilise the shoulder and facilitate smooth movement. The tendons of the rotator cuff attach these muscles to the upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula).

The primary role of the rotator cuff is to keep the shoulder joint stable, allowing for a wide range of motion. It helps to hold the ball of the humerus firmly within the shoulder socket, providing support during activities that involve lifting, reaching, throwing, and rotating the arm. Additionally, the rotator cuff aids in generating power and controlling movement in the shoulder.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can occur suddenly, as a result of a traumatic event like a fall or lifting a heavy object, or develop gradually due to repetitive motions or wear and tear. Common causes include:
  1. Repetitive Movements: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive overhead movements, such as painting, swimming, or throwing, can lead to rotator cuff injuries over time.
  2. Age-related Degeneration: As we age, the blood supply to the tendons can diminish if we are not keeping strong, making them more prone to injury. Degenerative changes, including tendon thickening and calcium deposits, can weaken the rotator cuff. Of course this is also dependant on our lifestyles as we age - the more active and healthy we remain, the better our musculoskeletal system works. We see many patients who maintain excellent muscular and vascular health into their retirement and beyond, simply by keeping fit and active!
  3. Overworked Muscles: Tired muscles that area always switched on can place added stress on the rotator cuff muscles, leading to overuse and potential injury. This can be caused from things like long periods sitting in the one position, stress that causes overstimulation of muscles, carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder.
  4. Muscle Imbalances: Muscle imbalances, where certain muscles are stronger or tighter than others, can put strain on the rotator cuff and increase the risk of injury. We can help you find ways of maintaining balance between the muscles at the front and back of the shoulder so the rotator cuff muscles aren't out of balance.
  5. Trauma: Acute injuries, such as a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder, can result in rotator cuff tears or strains. Dislocation of the shoulder joint can damage the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff.

Protecting and Maintaining a Healthy Rotator Cuff
While some rotator cuff injuries may be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect and maintain a healthy rotator cuff:
  1. Warm-Up and Stretch: Prior to engaging in any physical activity involving the shoulder, warm up with gentle movements and perform stretching exercises to prepare the muscles.
  2. Move Often: Avoid spending long periods of time in one position, especially if you're a desk worker, driver or do some other kind of repetitive activity every day.
  3. Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Engage in regular strength training exercises that target the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, such as the pecs, deltoids and upper back muscles, to provide support to the rotator cuff.
  4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects, use your legs instead of relying solely on your arms and shoulders. Hold objects close to your body and avoid twisting motions.
  5. Seek Early Treatment: If you experience persistent shoulder pain, limited range of motion, or weakness, book in with us early! Early intervention can prevent further damage and facilitate faster recovery.

The rotator cuff is a crucial structure that enables the remarkable range of motion in the shoulder joint. Understanding its function and the causes of injury can help you take proactive steps to protect and maintain a healthy rotator cuff. By practicing good shoulder habits, engaging in strength training exercises, and seeking prompt treatment for any shoulder pain or discomfort, you can reduce the risk of rotator cuff injuries and preserve your shoulder's mobility for years to come.

Book online with one of our myotherapists to start your treatment plan and keep your rotator cuff as happy and healthy as possible!

Rotator Cuff Pain - What Is It And How Can You Get Help?

9/1/2020

 
Most people have heard of the Rotator Cuff being a big culprit of shoulder pain, but do you know what it is and how to get help?
Our Myotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists help a lot of people with Rotator Cuff pain - its one of our most commonly treated pains!

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The Rotator Cuff is a group of 4 muscles that all work together, and they have different actions. So when you come in with a Rotator Cuff injury, the first thing we’ll work out for you is which muscle is causing you to feel the pain.

The job of the Rotator Cuff group is to move and stabilise your shoulder, and it does that by making what I like to light heartedly call the Shoulderblade Sandwich. Imagine your shoulderblade bone (scapula) as the filling of the sandwich, and the Rotator Cuff muscles are the bread on either side. The muscles on the outer side work to lift your arm and rotate it outwards away from your body, and the inner muscles rotate your arm inwards.
The most common issues we see with Rotator Cuff complaints is tight muscles referring pain, or muscle tears.

Rotator Cuff referral pains can be felt locally around the shoulder, as well as further down your arm, elbow, wrist and hand.

If you've got a Rotator Cuff tear or a partial Rotator Cuff tear, you'll likely notice pain and difficulty on raising or rotating your arm.

Muscle tears can be identified on an ultrasound. If you’ve already had the ultrasound and been given the report that you have a tear, the next step for you is to rehabilitate that muscle, and we can help!

Pain from shoulder and Rotator Cuff injuries usually respond well to hands on treatments like massage, cupping, or dry needling. We also like to help stabilise your shoulder using kinesiotaping.


So how do you get help if you think you might have a Rotator Cuff problem?
Firstly, book a time to come see us so we can help you find which of those 4 muscles is acting up. We’ll do some muscle testing and make a plan for reducing your pain and getting you strong again.

If we think you may need an ultrasound to check for possible muscle tears, we can refer you to Dr Waj Dib here at Together Medical Family Practice in Knoxfield. Dr Dib is a fully bulk billed GP who can send you for scans if you need them.

    Meet Our Team

    We have a team of great practitioners available 7 days a week at our Rowville clinic.

    Mel Simon
    Mel is our Senior Myotherapist.
    She's a nerdy, geeky bookworm who loves to help explain complex pain in an easy to understand way.
    ​She has a special interest in chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and more.

    Duke Autret
    Duke is an outstanding Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist.
    He has a deep interest in movement and alignment. He enjoys helping people regain strength and mobility to reduce their pain.

    Kel Levi
    Kel is an experienced Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist, currently also working with AFL Premiers Melbourne Football Club.
    She has a great firm pressure and expertly uses Myotherapy tools like dry needling and cupping to ease pain.

    Peter Pascalis
    Peter has over 10 years experience as a Remedial Massage Therapist, and completed his Bachelor of Health Science in Myotherapy in 2022.
    He is known as our Dry Needling Wizard, and gets exceptional results for chronic pain and acute injuries using advanced needling techniques.

    Megan Cornish
    Megan is a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist. She has a background in dancing and is a qualified personal trainer. She has personal interest in womens health issues like pregnancy care, endometriosis and PCOS.

    Rachael Bird
    Rachael is a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist, with a background in beauty therapy. She is enthusiastic about helping people recover from pain and live well.

    Ethan Farr
    Ethan is a Sports Myotherapist and Exercise Scientist. He loves to help people get back to sport, exercise and activity after injuries by planning out a comprehensive rehab plan.

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Simple Wellness Myotherapy & Osteopathy
Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178
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