Shoulder Pain
Conditions that may be treated:
- Arthritis of the shoulder (also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis)
- Tendinitis of one or more of the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint
- Bursitis of the shoulder (see more comprehensive treatment sections for details)
- Tear or sprain of rotator cuff muscles
- Strain of shoulder muscles in general
- Generalized pain in shoulder of unknown origin
Basic Treatment
- Refer to the reference photo for basic options of shoulder pain placement of electrodes
- Clean the skin with a wet paper towel and water to remove dead skin and other surface debris
- Do not have any lotion on the skin as it may decrease conductivity and/or create a skin irritation
- Apply the electrodes as instructed in the basic treatment procedure to area of pain using the photos noted for placement suggestions
Shoulder arthritis is a wearing down of the ball and socket joint (gleno-humeral) or the attachment of the collarbone (clavicle) as it connects with the part of the shoulder blade that comes over the top of the shoulder (acromion process) to make the acromio-clavicular joint (a common sports injury area, also known as the A-C joint). Wear and tear of these joints can lead to loss of cartilage at the end of the bones resulting in arthritic inflammation, pain and swelling.
Rotator cuff tendinitis, or tendonitis, occurs when the tendons and muscles that help rotate the shoulder joint are inflamed or irritated. It may also be called impingement syndrome.
This condition usually occurs over time. It can be the result of keeping the shoulder in one position for a while, sleeping on the shoulder every night, or participating in activities that require extending the arm over the head.
Sports that require extending the arm over the head can commonly lead to rotator cuff tendinitis. This is why the condition may sometimes be referred to as:
- swimmer’s shoulder
- pitcher’s shoulder
- tennis shoulder
Pain and immobility are common complications of rotator cuff tendinitis. The combination of both will cause a decrease in strength and flexibility, limit your ability to lift or raise things, and can eventually affect your ability to dress, reach above your head without pain or weakness and activities of daily living in general.
Bursitis of the shoulder can take place in two general places
- Subdeltoid bursa- pain on lateral aspect of upper arm at shoulder
- Subacromial bursa