Shoulder

The shoulder is the most complex joint in the body, so it is not surprising that a broad range of problems occur.

Common examples are impingement, tendon tears including the rotator cuff, dislocations, bursitis and arthritis/degenerative changes.

Physiotherapy is very effective for many shoulder conditions because of the importance of strength and flexibility in many of the shoulder problems and physiotherapists are scientifically trained to manage the complexities of getting these factors right.

The shoulder is also the most unstable joint, and its stability and alignment are the most influenced by the balance of strength of the surrounding muscles. This includes muscles around the shoulder blade (scapula).

Achieveing a BALANCE of strength is usually more effective than strengthening a shoulder in any one particular direction. Prime Physiotherapy employs a range of scientific and esoteric exercises and equipment to achieve balanced strength.

Even very arthritic shoulders can enjoy surprising improvement when strength and flexibility are improved, even in the presence of significant rotator cuff disease: tendinosis or tears/ruptures.

Regardless of the extent of pathology found on Xrays, scans or ultrasound, a large proportion of affected shoulders will respond to improvements in the mechanics of the shoulder that can be achieved by improving strength or flexibility including restoration of the normal laxity of the shoulder capsule. This can be very effective in resolving cases of impingement.

Prime Physiotherapists have treated the gamut of shoulder conditions among the young, the elderly and in between, through our relationship with local orthopaedic shoulder surgeons and our involvement in local sports including Western Suburbs Rugby League, hockey, swimming and other sports, and the general community.

Through our relationships with many of Sydney’s shoulder surgeons we have decades of experience in providing postoperative physiotherapy.

Another important point: many “shoulder” pains are actually caused by problems in the neck.

Prime Physiotherapists are trained and experienced in applying many clinical tests that indicate what is causing shoulder pain, and then identify the most appropriate and expedient physiotherapy.