What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can arise from a variety of sources, including the shoulder joint itself, or from the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding it. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows for a wide range of motion but also makes it less stable and more prone to injury. The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, is a common source of shoulder pain.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: These are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and can include tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sacs), and tears in the rotator cuff tendons.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between the bones of the shoulder, causing pain and inflammation.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition is characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, which can severely limit movement.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the shoulder, causing pain and stiffness as the cartilage in the joint wears down.
- Fractures and Dislocations: A broken bone or a dislocated shoulder can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention.
Common Shoulder Pain Conditions
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports.
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This is the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, often caused by overuse or impingement.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: A tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons can be partial or full-thickness. These can occur from a single injury or from degeneration over time.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the space between the top of the shoulder (acromion) and the rotator cuff tendons narrows, causing the acromion to rub against, or "impinge" on, the tendons and bursa. This can lead to bursitis and tendinitis, causing pain and limiting movement.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition characterised by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years. It occurs when the shoulder capsule, the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, thickens and tightens, restricting movement.
Traditional Treatments for Shoulder Pain
Traditional treatments for shoulder pain depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common treatments include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as prescription medications and corticosteroid injections.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder.
- Surgery: In severe cases, such as a complete rotator cuff tear, surgery may be necessary.
TENS for Shoulder Pain: Can it help?
For individuals with shoulder pain, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) offers a non-invasive, drug-free way to manage pain and improve function. Research has shown that this type of therapy can be effective for a variety of shoulder conditions.
TENS machines work by sending low-voltage electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin. These electrical impulses can help to reduce pain by:
- Blocking Pain Signals: The TENS signals can interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, providing immediate pain relief.
- Releasing Endorphins: TENS can also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
A 2016 systematic review found that a single TENS session provided immediate pain reduction for patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.
