The Shoulder – A lot more to it than you think

The shoulder is one of the most important joints in our everyday life! We use our shoulders in carrying our children, driving our cars and playing sports! This is why it is extremely important to have 100% movement! But it is a lot more complex than you think - read on to find out how we can help you get back to living life pain-free!

Shoulder injuries are one of the most common pains that patients come to our clinic with. But it is important to know that its not just the shoulder joint itself that may be causing your shoulder pain

The shoulder joint, is more accurately known as the ‘shoulder complex.’ The reason for this term is because the shoulder joint includes 4 joints! I bet you didn’t see that one coming

  1. Glenohumeral joint (actual shoulder joint)
  2. Acromioclavicular (AC) joint
  3. Sternoclavicular (SC) joint
  4. Scapulothoracic Joint
Image 1 – Looking at Human from Front
Image 2 – Looking at Human from Back

These 4 joints work together to produce movement – lifting up a box above your head, lifting weights in the gym or driving to work.

So what happens when one of the joints isn’t working as it usually should (for one reason or another)? It places more pressure on the other joints to perform the same movement you desire.

One or two times is fine, the body can deal with it. But repetitively and for a longer period of time, this will result in injury/pain – shoulder pain

Our physio team at Agape Physio, are very well trained in the shoulder complex and how it moves in synergy (together). We assess each joint on its own as well as how it works within the shoulder complex to see exactly what the cause is!

Visit us at Agape Physiotherapy to get a thorough assessment, to determine exactly what is going on so we can get rid of your pain for good!

You can give us a ring or book online through our website.

Written by Agape Physiotherapy

At Agape Physiotherapy, we love empowering our patients in the knowledge of their own bodies so they can achieve their goals – sports goals, vocational, or just being able to complete their everyday tasks pain-free! Please feel free to reach out today to learn more about our full-service Physiotherapy Clinic.

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