Are you a professional? Access the Clinic HQ professional section to list your practice and view CPD courses, classified adverts & products by clicking here.


 

Clinic HQ Professionals

You're about to enter the professional section of Clinic HQ. This portion of the site is recommended only for professional therapists.


Shoulder & Upper Arm

subacromial bursitis

subacromial bursitis


Subacromial bursitis most commonly occurs as a result of injury normally due to a repetitive strenuous activity involving repetitive overhead reaching or compression through the shoulder, such as lying on it or falling with your arm outstretched. These factors put more pressure over the bursa, irritating it and triggering a painful inflammatory reaction (swelling). The risk of developing bursitis is greater in those whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive overhead movements, like painters and decorators. Symptoms normally include a constant dull ache or burning pain over the shoulder joint, which is aggravated by any touch, pressure or movement. There may be noticeable swelling around the front of the shoulder.

In cases of bursitis caused by infection, the skin around the affected joint will appear to be red and will feel incredibly warm to the touch. Additional symptoms are a high temperature and feverish chills.



 
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome


Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) most commonly occurs either as a result of severe sudden trauma or as a gradual repetitive trauma. The most common sudden trauma related to TOS is whiplash. Repetitive trauma normally occurs through slouched poor posture, often caused by poor office ergonomics. Other types of work like army training with compressive heavy weighted back packs or activities that involve repetitive overhead stretching such as certain sports like swimming and weightlifting can also cause TOS.

In most cases there is a gradual onset of symptoms, most commonly starting with pain at the side of the neck that refers down into the arm and hand. The pain can be a dull ache or burning sensation that can amount to a sharp pain particularly on arm movements. Some cases begin with hand pain or hand symptoms, such as pins and needles, tingling or numbness.



 
Shoulder & Upper Arm - Myofascial Pain Syndrome (muscle pain)

Shoulder & Upper Arm - Myofascial Pain Syndrome (muscle pain)


Myofascial pain (muscle pain) can result from sprains or strains of a joint, excessive repetitive movements and high stress levels. Risk factors like poor posture, fatigue, heavy lifting and even muscle weakness may make you more susceptible to myofascial pain. Specific causes like stress, normally cause quite a lot of tension in the upper back and neck which can then lead to quite bad headaches.

Symptoms range from a sudden sharp pain, spasms and burning pain to a gradual build-up of a dull ache and discomfort that is worse in the evening after long days at work or activity. Muscle knots and trigger points can cause pain to refer from the injured muscle to the surrounding areas.