How to return overhead activities with shoulder Pain?

There is a good probability that therapists at clinics see a lot of folks with shoulder pain. Impingement,  tendinopathy, strain, labral tear, subacromial pain, whatever you want to  call it- it’s a familiar presentation for many therapists.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, especially during overhead activities, and it can stem from various underlying conditions. Understanding these causes is the first step toward effective treatment and long-term relief.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Strains or tears in the rotator cuff muscles or tendons often lead to pain and restricted movement.
• Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the shoulder blade tendons get pinched during arm lifting motions, causing sharp pain.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) can cause pain during movement or pressure.
• Tendinitis: Overuse or repetitive motion can inflame shoulder tendons, especially in athletes or manual workers.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful due to thickening of the joint capsule.
• Poor Posture: Prolonged poor sitting or standing posture can lead to muscle imbalance and joint strain, especially in the upper back and shoulders.

Each of these conditions may present differently and can vary in severity, which is why a proper diagnosis by a physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist is crucial.

Some workouts, despite being among the most popular among the sports community, can be provocative and sometimes impossible to return to
for people with subacromial pain. In this article, the therapist details a path that they employ and have had success in reintroducing persons with subacromial pain to do overhead activities.

Before beginning this program, establish various criteria that the therapist believes are essential to begin overhead activities.

• Pain-free shoulder flexion and abduction to 90 degrees.

1.  Active and Passive  ROM exercises shoulder joint(pain-free range)
2.  Shoulder pulley exercises (pain-free)
3.   Full pain-free shoulder horizontal abduction and adduction.