One of the most common questions new patients visiting me ask is Can Bristol Osteopaths treat shoulder injuries - and the answer is, of course, yes.
As a leading Bristol Osteopath, treating shoulder injuries is one of the top reasons patients come to see me for an initial consultation and expert advice.
The shoulder is an incredible feat of biological engineering.
It provides your arm with great freedom for movement, whilst also giving it a stable base attaching it to the torso.
The shoulder is perhaps our bodies best example of flexibility and stability working in complete harmony.
Unfortunately, large forces load the shoulder on a daily basis and this can increase the risk of injuries. Shoulders are commonly the focus of injuries.
The main shoulder joint is a ball and socket. It is fixed and stabilised mainly by ligaments and muscles.
The main muscles stabilising the shoulder area are called rotor cuff muscles, and it is these muscles and adjoining tendons that I most commonly treat.
When it comes to Bristol Osteopaths treating shoulder injuries, I usually see and treat three main types of shoulder injuries at my Henleaze clinic:
Traumatic Shoulder Injury
This is usually due to a fall or severe impact. It can be a common shoulder injury in jockeys, bike riders and rugby players. It can include bruising, dislocation or fractures and breaks near to the joint.
Depending on the severity of the injury it may just need time and rest, including manual rehabilitation from a Bristol Osteopath or Physiotherapist. The worst-case scenario could be surgical treatment.
Over-use/Mis-use Shoulder Injury
When a movement is repeated, it can overload the shoulder joint. This might include ball throwing, tennis, DIY, heavy lifting (particularly over the head), gardening, pruning or hedge trimming.
These are commonly muscle or tendon injuries to the rotor cuff. They can be very irritating shoulder injuries and quite difficult to treat and resolve.
They usually require intense manual therapy from an Osteopath in Bristol and plenty of rehabilitation exercise to stabilise the shoulder and strengthen the rotor cuff area.
Wear & Tear Injury
Sometimes, over-use of the tendons in the rotor cuff can become damaged and worn. Depending on the severity, these type of shoulder injuries either need manual rehabilitation from an Osteopath or physiotherapist in Bristol as well as bespoke exercises. Cortisone injections may also be required, and in some cases surgery may be needed.
Frozen Shoulder Injury
This is when the capsule of the shoulder tightens and adhesions develop. It can be extremely painful and significantly limits the range of movement.
This type of shoulder injury can often take 12-18 months to heal fully, with Osteopathic treatments being recommended to aid and improve the process.
The above shoulder injuries can be prevented, and I advise four main types of preventative measures to reduce and prevent shoulder injuries in my patients.
The best ways to prevent shoulder injuries are:
Take care not to overload it
This is particularly the case when doing over-head work or exercise of any kind. Repeated movements such as throwing, gardening and DIY activities also need a mindful approach to protect and preserve shoulder mobility.
Keep the shoulder mobile
Consistent mobility is a really basic but important way of improving shoulder health over time. I recommend activities such as swimming, pilates and yoga.
Maintain muscle & rotor cuff strength
Specific shoulder exercises, including rowing movement, can strengthen the shoulder girdle. If in doubt get in touch with me or speak to your therapist.
Focus on good posture
Posture is really critical for good shoulder health. Allowing the shoulder to drop forwards or slouching makes the shoulder more vulnerable to injuries.
Sit straight and stand tall whenever possible. It makes a massive difference.
Read my recent blog on how to sit well and avoid poor posture.
Book a Bristol Osteopath
Bristol Osteopaths are a great way to overcome a shoulder injury and get back to fuller mobility in a safe way while being professionally treated.
More serious shoulder injuries should, of course, be treated by a specialist surgeon. Any good Bristol Osteopaths will refer a patient in this instance.
New patients considering booking a Bristol Osteopath for the first time should also read this first.
If you have suffered from a shoulder injury, please book an initial consultation with me online here.
My Bristol osteopath clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe treatments, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients.
To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I provide in Bristol, please visit here for details.