Upper Limb Advice

shoulder to shoulder

Shoulder Pain

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a relatively common cause of shoulder pain. Frozen shoulder is more likely to affect women rather than men and is also more likely to occur in the non-dominant arm. You are also most likely to develop frozen shoulder between the ages of forty and sixty. Often there is no cause for the onset of this condition; however, occasionally an injury to the shoulder may precede the onset. Progression is seen in three stages: Freezing, Frozen and Thawing. During the freezing stage the shoulder can be very painful and there is a gradual loss of movement. In the frozen stage the main symptom is restricted movement, with stiffness dominating pain. The thawing stage sees the gradual return of shoulder movement with decreasing stiffness.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a painful condition in the shoulder.  Pain occurs when the tendons in the shoulder are irritated or inflamed from repetitive overhead motions or structural abnormalities in the shoulder.  Impingement usually occurs due to muscle imbalance around the shoulder that place can increase the stress on the rotator cuff tendons. Symptoms can include a generalized aching pain in the shoulder and arm.  You may feel weakness and pain when you move your arm overhead, for example putting on a jumper or brushing your hair.

Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder is a common shoulder injury in contact sports such as rugby. A dislocated shoulder is characterised by severe shoulder pain and hospital treatment is often required to relocate the joint. Physiotherapy is usually started after two or three week’s immobilisation in a sling. Active rehabilitation is started as soon as possible but overhead arm movement and sporting activity should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Gentle range of movement exercises can be started once the sling is removed. Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles should be started as soon as they can be done without pain.

What we can do to help

Treatment varies according to your injury/pain. An extensive examination of the issue will be made to determine what treatment/treatment modalities should be used. You will get a treatment programme which is specific to your condition which may include a combination of soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, acupuncture and exercise therapy.

To book an appointment to see a physiotherapist about a shoulder condition please call:
Huntingdon: 01487 773 088

Elbow Pain

Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of elbow pain. It can be caused by numerous factors, both in sport or day to day tasks; for example, a tennis player with faulty technique, or a tradesman constantly using the muscles in the forearm. Tennis elbow pain usually originates from the outer aspect of the elbow and can also radiate down into the forearm. There can be pain when using the extensor muscles of the forearm to move the hand back at the wrist and also during griping activities. The origin of these muscles at the elbow is also often tender to touch. Despite the name tennis elbow isn’t just a condition that affects tennis player’s, it is actually quite common in the general population.
Golfer's elbow
Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of elbow pain. It can be caused by numerous factors, both in sport or day to day tasks; for example, a tennis player with faulty technique, or a tradesman constantly using the muscles in the forearm. Tennis elbow pain usually originates from the outer aspect of the elbow and can also radiate down into the forearm. There can be pain when using the extensor muscles of the forearm to move the hand back at the wrist and also during griping activities. The origin of these muscles at the elbow is also often tender to touch. Despite the name tennis elbow isn’t just a condition that affects tennis player’s, it is actually quite common in the general population.

​What we can do to help

When you visit us, a thorough examination of your elbow, its range of movement and any restrictions or pain, will be completed. Once this is complete the physio will create a treatment plan specifically for your condition, and communicate this with you. The physiotherapist will then use a number of treatment modalities to facilitate your recovery: soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, acupuncture and exercise therapy.

To find out more or to book an appointment with one of our experienced physio’s please call Huntingdon: 01487 773 088

Hand & Wrist Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common cause of wrist and hand pain, is caused by the wrist swelling in an anatomical area known as the Carpal Tunnel. The Carpal Tunnel is a gap in the carpal (wrist) bones through which muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass on their way to the hand from the forearm. Compression of the Median nerve causes altered sensation in the wrist and the fingers nearest the thumb, as well as the thumb itself. Research studies have shown that the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel is increased if the wrist is held in a position of extension (such as typing at a keyboard) or flexion (when gripping tightly). Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome presents with pain in the hand and wrist, pins and needles in the hand and burning, tingling or numbness in the hand.
Skier's Thumb
A Sprained Thumb is often referred to as Skier’s Thumb, due to the prevalence of this injury during skiing. It is a common cause of thumb pain and swelling. It is caused by damage to a ligament at the base of the thumb, often caused by a ski pole during a fall. However a sprained thumb is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone where there is sufficient force applied to the thumb in a direction away from the hand. In severe cases there is often immediate thumb swelling and pain. Thumb bruising may develop in a few days. In more long standing cases there may be a persistent thickening of the thumb joint with swelling around the base of the thumb.

​What we can do to help

The structure of your first appointment will involve a thorough examination of the body site, e.g. hand or wrist, which informs the physio as to what treatment approach is most appropriate. You will then receive your own personalised treatment plan which can include a combination of soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, acupuncture and exercise therapy if required.

Any questions about the above? Call Huntingdon: 01487 773 088

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Contact us at the Abbots Ripton Clinic, Huntingdon
Tel: 01487 773 088 Email: info@physio.uk.net

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