Osteopaths don’t just treat backs! There are a range of conditions that we can help with that affect the arm and its joints.
Shoulder Problems
The shoulder is more than just a ball and socket joint. The collar bone attaches at the front, and the shoulder blade is associated with the ribs that it slides over. As all of these structures work closely together, a problem with one can cause symptoms in another. Likewise, a problem in the shoulder can cause pain in the neck, or even headaches. This is why we look at the body as a whole when making a diagnosis and devising a treatment plan
A common complaint we see in clinic is frozen shoulder. This is not just a term for stiffness and pain in the shoulder, but a specific problem. The layer of tissue that surrounds the main shoulder joint becomes tight and sticky, reducing some specific movements. The rest of the shoulder and upper back then have to work harder to compensate for those lost movements. You can read more about frozen shoulder here.
Sports injuries can often affect part of the shoulder. The biceps muscle runs into the joint itself, so injuries to it can cause deeper discomfort than simple muscle strains. Throwing sports are demanding on the shoulder, and can be associated with cartilage injuries as well as ligament sprains. Your osteopath will use your case history, as well as the way you move, to determine the problem and work out a treatment plan.
Elbow Problems
Elbow problems seem to be much less common than those affecting the shoulder. One that we see relatively often is Tennis Elbow. This often starts as a mild muscular issue, but develops into something more persistent and inflammatory if continually aggravated. We have a post on tennis and golfer’s elbow here.
Bursitis is a condition that can affect almost anywhere in the body, including the elbow. Bursae are little fatty sacs that sit between bone and tendons to prevent friction. Sometimes they can become irritated themselves, causing pain and swelling. “Student’s elbow” is a term for a rather dramatic-looking form of bursitis that affects the point of the elbow. Repeated pressure, as caused by leaning on an elbow on the desk, can cause the irritation that leads to bursitis. In the case of student’s elbow, this can cause an egg-sized swelling, which may or may not be painful at all.
It is also possible to sprain an elbow. This typically results from trauma such as a fall onto the arm, but something more subtle like a dog pulling a lead could be a cause too. Ligaments are slow to heal, so your osteopath will work to ease the load on the area and improve general tissue health. We don’t routinely recommend supports for sprains, as using the area (gently) helps it to heal stronger.
Remember that you don’t need an existing diagnosis or a referral from your GP to make an appointment with your osteopath. Click the link below to instantly book an appointment online.
