Shoulder blade pain can be extremely painful, affecting daily activities and stopping you from doing the things you love. Understanding how to treat shoulder blade pain involves addresses the underlying causes while providing relief and promoting healing. Shoulder blade pain can be caused by several potential diagnoses, such as rotator cuff pathology, muscular strains or imbalances and neurological issues. Whatever the root cause may be, physiotherapy input can help resolve the pain.
Shoulder blade pain can be caused by various issues such as:
– Muscle strain or injury: Overuse, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements can cause muscle strains or tears in the upper back and shoulder area
– Poor posture: Slouching or hunching can put stress on the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder blades, leading to pain
– Rotator cuff issues: Problems with rotator cuff muscles and tendons, like tears or inflammation, can cause pain in the shoulder and shoulder blade area
– Joint conditions: Arthritis, bursitis, or frozen shoulder can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which can be felt in the shoulder blade area
How to Treat Shoulder Blade Pain with Therapy
One of the most recommended ways to treat shoulder blade pain is through physiotherapy. A qualified physiotherapist will do an assessment to determine the cause of your pain. They can then design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blades, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Physiotherapy exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and mobility drills that specifically target the shoulder and upper back muscles. Your physiotherapist can also use hands-on treatments such as joint mobilisations and massage.
Sports therapy is another valuable approach, particularly if the shoulder blade pain is related to athletic activities or sports injuries. Sports therapists focus on rehabilitation techniques that restore function and prevent re-injury. They may use techniques like manual therapy, where they physically manipulate the joints and soft tissues. Alternatively they may prescribe sport-specific exercises to help athletes return to their activities safely.
In addition to physiotherapy and sports therapy, massage therapy is a popular treatment for shoulder blade pain. Massage can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation in the affected area. Techniques such as deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy target knots or tight spots in the muscles around the shoulder blades, providing significant relief from discomfort. Massage therapy is especially effective after a course of physio or sports therapy and can be used as general maintenance to prevent recurrence of the problem.
For those involved in sports, sports physiotherapy is a perfect solution for you, they combine the principles of physiotherapy with sports science. Sports physiotherapists work closely with athletes to not only treat shoulder blade pain but also enhance performance by addressing biomechanical issues and optimising movement patterns.
Persistent, worsening, or acute shoulder pain, as well as weakness, immobility, and systemic symptoms like fever are red flags that necessitate urgent medical attention. Call your GP if you are experiencing these symptoms.
If you have severe shoulder pain that gets worse or lasts more than a couple of days, you may have an injury to your shoulder or an underlying condition that’s causing pain. Pain with swelling can also be a sign of an injury.
Therapists for Shoulder Blade Pain
Understanding how to treat shoulder blade pain is best addressed by speaking with a qualified therapist. They will be able to tailor a personalised treatment plan using physio and massage therapies. These treatments can effectively alleviate pain, promote recovery, and prevent future discomfort. If shoulder blade pain persists, contact your local physiotherapy clinic such as True Physio who will work with you to create a rehabilitation plan that works around your lifestyle, reducing pain, and prevent future injuries, allowing for a safe and effective recovery.
You should see your GP is your pain doesn’t improve after two weeks and it’s very difficult to move your arm and shoulder.