Shoulder Pain Acupuncture Gold Coast

Shoulder pain is any pain in or around the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that consists of three main bones:

– The humerus (the upper arm bone)
– The scapula (the shoulder blade)
– The clavicle (the collarbone)

In this joint, the rounded head of the upper arm bone fits perfectly into a socket in the shoulder blade known as the glenoid. A group of muscles and tendons works to keep the arm bone stable within the shoulder socket. This group of tissues is referred to as the rotator cuff, which covers the head of the upper arm bone and connects it to the shoulder blade.

Shoulder Pain Causes

Shoulder issues can generally be categorised into four main types:

1. Tendon inflammation, which includes conditions like bursitis or tendinitis, as well as tendon tears.
2. Instability of the shoulder.
3. Arthritis affecting the joint.
4. Fractures, which are broken bones.

While these are the most common causes of shoulder pain, there are also rarer factors such as tumors, infections, and nerve-related problems that can contribute to discomfort.

Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs found in joints throughout the body, including the shoulder. They serve as cushions between bones and the surrounding soft tissues, minimizing friction as muscles move over the bone.

Excessive use of the shoulder can lead to inflammation and swelling of the bursa located between the rotator cuff and the acromion, a part of the shoulder blade. This condition is referred to as subacromial bursitis.

Bursitis often occurs alongside rotator cuff tendinitis. The pain and inflammation associated with this condition can make it challenging to perform everyday activities, such as combing your hair or getting dressed.

Tendinitis

A tendon serves as a fibrous connection between muscle and bone. Tendinitis occurs due to inflammation of the tendon.

Tendinitis is generally classified into two categories:

Acute. Engaging in excessive activities such as throwing a ball or performing overhead motions in sports or work can result in acute tendinitis.
Chronic. Conditions such as arthritis or the cumulative effects of aging and repetitive strain can lead to chronic tendinitis.

The tendons most frequently affected in the shoulder include the four rotator cuff tendons and one of the two biceps tendons. The rotator cuff consists of four small muscles and their associated tendons, which encase the head of the upper arm bone and maintain its position within the shoulder socket. This structure is essential for facilitating shoulder movement and ensuring stability.

Tendon Tears

Tendon tears can occur due to:

Sudden injuries
Age-related degeneration, prolonged overuse, or general wear and tear on the tendons

These tears can manifest as:

Partial tears (affecting only a portion of the tendon’s thickness)
Complete tears (resulting in the tendon being fully detached from its bony attachment)

Injuries to the rotator cuff and biceps tendons are among the most frequently encountered types of tendon injuries.

Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a condition that arises when the acromion, located at the top of the shoulder blade, exerts pressure on the soft tissues beneath it as the arm is raised away from the body. During this elevation, the acromion can rub against the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa, resulting in inflammation known as bursitis and tendinitis. This condition often leads to discomfort and restricted mobility.

Instability

Shoulder instability arises when the head of the humerus is displaced from the shoulder joint. This condition typically results from an acute injury but may evolve into a chronic issue over time.

Shoulder dislocations can manifest as partial dislocations, where the humeral head is only partially displaced from the socket, a condition referred to as subluxation. A complete dislocation occurs when the humeral head is entirely removed from the socket.

When the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the shoulder become lax or damaged, the likelihood of recurrent dislocations increases. These recurring dislocations, whether partial or complete, can:

– Induce pain and instability when raising the arm or moving it away from the torso
– Heighten the risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint.

Arthritis

Shoulder discomfort may also arise from arthritis, which encompasses various forms. The most prevalent type affecting the shoulder is osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis. Symptoms, including pain and stiffness, generally commence in middle age. The progression of osteoarthritis is gradual, with the associated pain intensifying over time.

Osteoarthritis may stem from sports-related injuries, occupational hazards, or ongoing wear and tear. Other forms of arthritis can be associated with rotator cuff injuries, infections, or inflammation of the joint lining.

Individuals often tend to limit shoulder movements in an effort to alleviate arthritis-related pain. However, this can lead to the tightening or stiffening of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, ultimately resulting in a painful limitation of motion.

Fractures

Fractures refer to the condition of broken bones. In the case of shoulder fractures, the affected bones typically include the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade).

In older individuals, shoulder fractures frequently occur due to falls from a standing position. Conversely, in younger individuals, these fractures are usually the result of high-energy incidents, such as motor vehicle accidents or impacts sustained during contact sports, like football tackles or collisions in hockey.

Such fractures are often accompanied by significant pain, swelling, and bruising in the shoulder region.

How does Acupuncture relieve Shoulder pain?

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture may relieve (both sensory and affective) inflammatory pain. This occurs through activation of a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms.

Zhang et al 2014 – Mechanisms of acupuncture in persistent pain

The above research suggests that Acupuncture may provide beneficial outcomes however other papers did not have the same findings so the evidence is regarded as mixed.

The staff at our Acupuncture Gold Coast clinic are trained and qualified to provide you with the highest standards of practice and treatment.

Acupuncture Gold Coast Location

The Gold Coast Acupuncture Clinic is located in the Albert Centre at 5/18 Ferry Street, Nerang.

This is also a great location for our customers in the surrounding suburbs of Nerang including Gilston, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Carrara, Ashmore, Gaven, Molendinar, Worongary, Helensvale, Coomera, Hope Island, Oxenford, Upper Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Maudsland, Willowvale and Tamborine Mountain.

Book your appointment

Acupuncture is available at our Nerang Clinic. If it is your first visit please make sure you arrive 5 minutes early to fill out paperwork. All our therapists are qualified and trained professionals.

Call our Clinic
You may call us at our Nerang clinic directly.

Phone: 5573 6601

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References

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6. Hempel S, Taylor SL, Solloway MR, Miake-Lye IM, Beroes JM, Shanman R, et al. VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program Reports. Evidence Map of Acupuncture. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; 2014.

45. Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, Skelly A, Hashimoto R, Weimer M, et al. AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews. Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2016.

51. Taylor P, Pezzullo L, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Cost-effectiveness