Village Physiotherapy
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Village Physiotherapy
Expert in Treating Neck and Shoulder Pain
Neck and shoulder pain can be a nuisance and left untreated can lead to ongoing pain and discomfort. When you have neck pain it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep, move your neck, sit at your desk or drive. Do not let neck and shoulder pain hold you back. Call today to book a consultation or treatment at Village Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic. We are based in Adare, but we serve clients throughout County Limerick.
All too often, people try painkillers, hot baths, rest, exercise, massage, and alternative therapies without considering why they might be experiencing such pain. Some people simply hope the pain will go away if they leave it long enough. People often report they try ignoring the pain or putting up with the pain or discomfort which may be stopping you doing your normal daily tasks such as sitting driving or being able to move, turn your neck without feeling pain or discomfort. We are here to help you. After your initial consultation, we will be able to determine the root cause of your problem. We will then be able to devise an effective plan for you. Treatment may consist of hands on treatment and an effective exercise program.
We aim to prevent any recurrence of your symptoms and provide relief immediately and for the long term. Once you are pain free we will provide you with a maintenance plan to ensure you do not suffer from any recurrences of your neck or shoulder pain. We can also treat a range of other types of pain including hip and knee pain, ankle pain, back pain and pain after surgery.
Symptoms of Neck and Shoulder Pain
Pain felt in your neck and across your shoulders is not unusual. Often it is the result of a sprain or strain. Signs and symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain that gets worse if you hold your head in the same position for long periods of time, for example, when you work at a computer or drive your car
- Headache
- Your muscles feel tight and you experience spasms
- You find it increasingly difficult to move your head
Possible Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain
There are common causes of neck and shoulder pain. Knowing what they are means you can do your best to avoid them. Here are the most common but are by no means the only causes of neck and shoulder pain.
1. Trapped/Pinched Nerve
Pain radiating from your neck towards your shoulder blade suggests nerve involvement. This condition is referred to as cervical radiculopathy or more commonly known as a trapped or pinched nerve . In addition to pain other symptoms to look out for include weakness in your arm, shoulder and hand muscles or numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers. This can be due to disc herniation which is present in degenerative disc disease and conditions such as cervical spondylosis. It can also be the result of simple ‘wear and tear’ which occurs as we age and most is commonly referred to as ‘Arthritis’.
2. Rotator Cuff Tear
Your shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint; it relies on your rotator cuff which helps keep your humerus (long bone of your arm) centred within its socket as you move your arm. A tear can be caused by a fall or be the result of repeated stress over a period of time. It is a common injury for people who may have experienced a recent fall on an outstretched arm or people involved in physical work involving repeated shoulder movement consisting of pulling or lifting etc. A rotator cuff tear becomes more common in the aging population , our body’s natural ability to repair damage slows down.
3. Shoulder Tendinitis? Tendonopathy
Tendons attach muscle to bone. In your shoulder these group of tendons are referred to as the Rotator Cuff. Pain is the main reason why people look for help but there are other signs typically associated with a painful tendon (tendonopathy/tendinitis).
- Some people report severe pain and pain associated with lifting their arm or reaching.
- Other people will report shoulder stiffness and/pain after rest or first thing in the morning that takes 2 to 10 minutes to ease or loosen out.
- They can be tender to the touch around their shoulder region.
- People often report shoulder pain at night that disrupts their sleep and sometimes prevents them from sleeping. This can impact one’s general energy and mood levels.
4. Frozen Shoulder – (Adhesive Capsulitis)
People with diabetes or those aged between 40 and 60 are at most risk of developing this condition. The cause is unknown, but it becomes more and more painful and difficult to move your shoulder. The main symptom is an aching or dull pain and loss of shoulder movement. The location is typically over the outer shoulder, however, sometimes it is felt in the upper arm.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Are Neck and Shoulder Pain Related?
In some cases, neck and shoulder pain can be related. If the pain you are feeling radiates from your neck to your shoulder blade this may be the result of referred pain from your neck. This condition is sometimes referred to as a pinched/trapped nerve or cervical radiculopathy.
However, simple wear and tear could also be the reason. Our knowledgeable and experienced physiotherapists can examine your shoulders and neck and diagnose your condition.
Why You Should Get Neck and Shoulder Pain Treated
ain in your neck or shoulders is often the result of a sprain or strain from bad posture or overexertion. If you have been putting up with neck or shoulder pain and it has not been getting better. You have tried medication, rest and still you are experiencing pain, discomfort and perhaps are unable to do your normal day to day activities such as being able to sit, drive or move your neck without pain. We understand you want to get relief from your pain and we are here to help.
It’s time you should seek professional help. If your symptoms have not gone away after a couple of weeks, you should get in touch and book an appointment. If the pain hasn’t gone away after you’ve rested, it’s not going to go away on its own. If the pain you’re feeling radiates down your arms or your legs, is accompanied by a headache, numbness, tingling, or weakness, you should get professional help. We can help you get to the bottom of the issue quickly and devise a course of treatment which may include Sports Massage.
However, simple wear and tear could also be the reason. Our knowledgeable and experienced physiotherapists can examine your shoulders and neck and diagnose your condition.
Why You Should Get Neck and Shoulder Pain Treated
Pain in your neck or shoulders is often the result of a sprain or strain from bad posture or overexertion. If you have been putting up with neck or shoulder pain and it has not been getting better. You have tried medication, rest and still you are experiencing pain, discomfort and perhaps are unable to do your normal day to day activities such as being able to sit, drive or move your neck without pain. We understand you want to get relief from your pain and we are here to help.
It’s time you should seek professional help. If your symptoms have not gone away after a couple of weeks, you should get in touch and book an appointment. If the pain hasn’t gone away after you’ve rested, it’s not going to go away on its own. If the pain you’re feeling radiates down your arms or your legs, is accompanied by a headache, numbness, tingling, or weakness, you should get professional help. We can help you get to the bottom of the issue quickly and devise a course of treatment which may include Sports Massage.
However, simple wear and tear could also be the reason. Our knowledgeable and experienced physiotherapists can examine your shoulders and neck and diagnose your condition.
Things You Can Do at Home to Relive Pain
As mentioned with neck pain it can be difficult to drive, work at your computer or deck or get a good night’s sleep. There are a few things you can do to try relieve your neck pain
Get moving
Many people will experience neck pain when they sit too long at their desk, computer or in their car. Our bodies are designed to move our neck like any other joint likes to be moved. Sitting too long puts stress on our spine and neck which can cause tension in our upper back, shoulder and neck muscles. If you have to sit for long periods, ensure you make a point of getting up frequently to relieve tension and ease discomfort. It may help to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up and move every 30 minutes. Movement such as walking, stimulates the release of endorphins which are our bodies natural pain killers so we feel less pain.
Check your posture
Treatment of Neck
and Shoulder Pain
At Village Physiotherapy Sports Clinic Limerick, we have the knowledge and experience to help people who are suffering with neck and shoulder pain. Everybody is different and moves differently and their individual bodies are placed under different stresses and strains depending on their age, hobbies or occupation so there isn’t one exercise or treatment technique that fixes all shoulder and neck pain.
Over the years we have helped a lot of people get better and prevent a recurrence of their symptoms. A detailed history will be taken to determine any predisposing or factors which may be contributing towards your neck and shoulder pain. We will then observe your posture and then observe the way you move your neck or shoulder. We will assess and diagnose the cause of your neck and shoulder pain. We will then provide you with a treatment plan which may consist of hands on treatment as well as a rehab program consisting of exercises addressing any underlying issues causing your neck or shoulder pain which were determined during your assessment.
Why Choose
Village Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic
Over the years we have helped many people in County Limerick get long lasting relief from their neck or shoulder pain so that they have been able to resume their normal activities pain free. We also offer dry needling and sports massage treatments. These are provided by our knowledgeable team of therapists and are used to treat a variety of conditions including ankle, hip/ knee pain, back and neck pain, pain after surgery and sports injuries.
To find out more about any of our services and treatments, please call today to book an appointment. We are based in Adare, County Limerick but provide services for clients across County Limerick.