Shoulder Pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can be related to the shoulder itself, the surround structures or referred from various organs. A proper history and physical will allow your physician to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain.
Somatic Dysfunction of structures of the neck, thoracic spine, ribs, clavicle, humerus, and the associated muscles and ligaments can be a significant cause of shoulder pain in the absence of the above diagnoses or in conjunction with another diagnosis. These can be found with an osteopathic examination and may then be treated using various OMT techniques.
OMT can be a valuable treatment for shoulder pain as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with other modalities such as injections, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or even surgery. Osteopathic Manipulation focuses on removing restrictions and restoring range of motion the the joints, ligaments, soft tissues, and viscera related to the shoulder. Removing mechanical restrictions can help restore normal motion and lead to decreased pain. Often times there are muscle weaknesses and imbalances associated with shoulder pain that should be addressed with exercises and/or physical therapy.
Consider stretches, postural exercises, and muscle strengthening as a part of your overall management of shoulder pain:
