Facts and figures around neck and shoulder pain:
For neck and shoulder pain, we would recommend booking in with one of our Physiotherapists to get a full assessment and diagnosis. Many patients also find that Sports Massage helps with the pain.
Book OnlineBelow is an overview of some of the common conditions we treat here at Synergy Physiotherapy and their symptoms:
Symptoms: Pain, stiffness and limited range of motion in the neck and shoulders – can also be accompanied by muscle spasms.
Causes: Overuse, poor posture, sudden movements or injury.
Symptoms: Chronic neck pain, stiffness, headaches and sometimes numbness or tingling travelling down arm and into hands.
Causes: Aged related wear and tear.
Symptoms: Sharp or burning pain in the neck, shoulders and possibly down the arms. Numbness or weakness in arms or hands.
Causes: Disc degeneration or injury leading to a disc bulge or rupturing.
Symptoms: Severe stiffness and pain in shoulder joint, reducing the range of motion.
Causes: Often develops gradually without a clear cause but can be followed by injury or prolonged immobility.
Symptoms: Dull ache deep in shoulder, disturbed sleep (if lying on affected shoulder), and difficulty reaching behind back.
Causes: Tear or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, often from repetitive motion or acute injury.
Symptoms: Pain and swelling in the shoulder, particularly when moving the arm.
Causes: Inflammation of the bursa, often due to repetitive motion or prolonged pressure.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness in the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching.
Causes: Inflammation of the tendons, usually from overuse or repetitive strain.
Improving mobility and flexibility: An exercise program tailored to your needs can help improve flexibility in the neck and shoulder muscles and joints, which can relieve stiffness and improve range of motion.
Strengthening muscles: Strengthening exercises target specific muscle groups to improve overall stability and support for the neck and shoulders, reducing the likelihood for further injuries.
Posture correction: We can provide guidance on improving posture, which is often a contributing factor to neck and shoulder pain. Ergonomic advice for work and daily activities is also common.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as mobilisation and manipulation can help improve joint movement and relieve muscle tension. In addition, massage and trigger pointing can assist with reduction of built-up muscle tension which improves range of motion and reduces pain.
Education and self-management: Educating patients about their condition and teaching them self-management strategies, including home exercise programs, to maintain improvements and prevent recurrence.
Functional training: Activities and exercises which replicate daily tasks or specific movements related to sports or work, helping patients return to their normal activities safely and effectively.
Surgery is an option for neck and shoulder pain, particularly when conservative treatment like physiotherapy, medication and lifestyle medications fail to provide relief or when the condition is severe. Here are some conditions where surgery might be considered and why:
Herniated disc: If conservative management fails and symptoms like severe pain, numbness or weakness persist or worsen, or there is significant compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Cervical radiculopathy: Persistent pain, weakness or numbness despite conservative management, of if there is significant nerve compression.
Rotator cuff tear: Large tears, persistent pain, or significant weakness that does not improve with physiotherapy.
Frozen shoulder (Adhesive capsulitis): In rare cases where severe stiffness and pain do not improve with non-surgical treatments
Severe Osteoarthritis (OA): When there is severe pain and loss of function that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment.
Labral tear: Persistent pain and instability despite conservative treatment.
Whether it’s pain caused by injury, tight/sprained muscles or recovery from surgery, we can get you back to full health.