The Sportsphysio.com relaxing shoulder mobilisation treatment has been specially developed to suit those who use their upper limbs repeatedly.

Using keyboards, computer mice, driving or painting and decorating, are all jobs which require repeated use of the upper limbs, often causing tension in surrounding muscles and misalignment of the shoulder joint.

The complex and highly mobile structure of the shoulder joint

The human shoulder is designed to offer a great range of motion and the joint is not a closely fitting ball and socket joint as would be found in the hip but more a tear shaped, shallow cup that allows a great deal of ‘play’ for the much larger humeral head (top of arm bone).

Tightened shoulder and neck muscles, and dare we say it, the ageing process, can cause the humeral head to pull up and away from it’s correct position.  This results in incorrect tracking of the joint, which can cause the humeral head to impinge against the bony structures above.

Many nerves and tendons run through or near the limited space of the shoulder joint and repeated damage from the humeral head results in inflammation, nerve impingement, pain and reduced movement.  In more severe cases, pain is referred down the arm along with tingling, numbness and weakening of grip in the hand.

Internal structures and soft tissue of the shoulder joint become inflamed and painful, limiting range of motion. Lesions can form in the cartilage and the rotator cuff muscles around the joint can tear.  The worst cases are diagnosed as “frozen shoulder”.

Shoulder Mobilisation Treatment

The shoulder mobilisation treatment employed at The Sportsphysio injury clinic, is designed to be preventative but certain elements are also used when treating shoulder injuries and conditions.

• Connective tissue techniques are employed to loosen the soft tissues around the joint cavity.
• Gentle mobilisation encourages the head of the humerus to operate in it’s correct planes of motion.
• Massage to the muscles of the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle reduces tension and improves blood supply.

The aim of the shoulder mobilisation treatment is to aleviate the stresses placed on the joint, allowing the humeral head to glide freely in it’s correct location.  In turn, range of movement is increased and the risk of damaging soft tissue, cartilage and nerves is reduced.

The short video below by Dr. Tehrany (Dramatic Health), explains why the human shoulder joint is susceptible to problems.