Description/ Introduction

Upper Crossed Syndrome aka “proximal or shoulder girdle crossed syndrome” involves a delicate imbalance of muscles. It is characterized by tightness in some muscles (the upper trapezius and levator scapula) on the dorsal side crosses paths with tightness in others (the pectoralis major and minor) along with a weakness of the deep cervical flexors (ventrally) crosses with weakness of the middle and lower trapezius. This intricate pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction that causes postural changes as well as pain/discomfort and stiffness in the neck and shoulder. The Physios at our clinics aim to combat Upper Crossed Syndrome and its symptoms by using a variety of treatment techniques and modalities to provide lasting long-term relief.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

UCS manifests as:

• Headaches
• Neck pain or strain
• Chest tightness
• Upper back pain, especially in the shoulders
• Restricted neck or shoulder range of motion
• Numbness, tingling, and pain in the upper arms
• Posture changes (Rounded Back and Forward Head)

Physical Therapy for Upper Crossed Syndrome

Physical Therapy helps patients with Upper Crossed Syndrome by helping address the issue at its root cause. A combination of manual techniques, modalities, strengthening exercise, postural retraining, as well as patient education will help treat the symptoms of the condition as well as prevent its reoccurrence.

Services Offered by Us:

Physical therapy can help manage Upper Crossed Syndrome and aid in returning to normal everyday function without difficulty/discomfort. Our PTs are trained to provide relief by doing the following:

• Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy: Used for heating and promotes tissue healing.
• Interferential Therapy: Stimulates the muscle and nerve fibers.
• Shockwave Therapy: to relieve pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Muscle Strengthening and Stretching and training to improve overall function.
• Postural Training: for the best positions for weight bearing to reduce stress on the muscles and joints.
• Education: Learning different techniques to perform daily activities even while being limited
• Manual Therapy: Manual techniques such as trigger point release is beneficial in improving mobility and reduce pain.

Description/Introduction

The Shoulder is one of only two ball and socket joints of the body, this allows it a greater degree of freedom when it comes to movement, at the cost of stability. A painful shoulder can cause hindrances to daily activities such as difficulties is reaching and lifting objects as well as difficulty with tasks such as bathing and dressing/ undressing. Physio Asia Therapy Centre aims to target shoulder pain at the root and build a strong foundation of strength and mobility to prevent secondary injuries.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the shoulder may also present with:

• Muscle tension around the area of the neck and arm
• Pain that can be felt radiating down the arm.
• Swelling and Stiffness around the joint
• Pain/ Stiffness during reaching for objects and picking up objects from the ground.
• Difficulty in daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing/undressing.
• Numbness on the joint and even down the arm
• Muscle Spasm

Causes

Shoulder Pain may be caused by one of the following underlying conditions.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries:
  • Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial or full tears of the tendons connected to the arm bone. These can result from trauma or repetitive motion.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons due to overuse.
• Arthritis:
  • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition affecting the shoulder joint.
• Bursitis:
  • Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the shoulder joint.
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder):
  • A condition characterized by stiffness and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint.
• Fractures:
  • Bone fractures in the shoulder due to direct injury or osteoporosis.
• Referred Pain:
  • Pain originating from other areas (e.g., neck arthritis, liver or lung diseases) but felt in the shoulder.
• Muscle Strains:
  • Injury or inflammation of shoulder or upper arm muscles.
• Labral Tears:
  • Cartilage injuries within the shoulder joint.
• Nerve Compression or Injury:
  • Conditions affecting the brachial plexus or other nerves in the shoulder region.
• Shoulder Instability:
  • Dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder joint.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with Shoulder Pain:

Physical therapy can help manage shoulder pain and aid in returning to normal everyday function. Our PTs are trained to provide relief by doing the following:

• Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy: Used for heating and promotes tissue healing.
• Interferential Therapy: Stimulates the muscle and nerve fibers.
• Shockwave Therapy: to relieve pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Muscle Strengthening and Stretching and training to improve overall function.
• Postural Training: for the best positions for weight bearing to reduce stress on the muscles and joints.
• Education: Learning different techniques to perform daily activities even while being limited
• Manual Therapy: Manual techniques such as trigger point release is beneficial in improving mobility and reduce pain.

Description/ Introduction

Adhesive Capsulitis aka “Frozen Shoulder” is a condition that is caused by the thickening of the shoulder capsule –a sheath that encases the joint of the shoulder, thus restricting movement. The main symptoms of frozen shoulder are joint pain and stiffness that worsen over time. The Physios at our clinics aim to combat Adhesive Capsulitis and its symptoms by using a variety of treatment techniques and modalities to provide lasting long-term relief.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Frozen Shoulder often presents with symptoms such as:

• Sharp pull or pain in the middle of upper arm on sudden movements, like a flash of lightening 
• Difficulty raising your arm sideways or forwards or carrying objects.
• Difficulty putting the arm behind your back. 
• Pain in mid-range of shoulder movement 
• Pain in shoulder lasting for more than a few days.
• Swelling or significant bruising around the shoulder or arm
• Shoulder pain that occurs at night or at rest, also disrupting normal sleep patterns

1. Freezing Stage

• Duration: Lasts approximately 2 to 9 months.
• Characteristics:
  • Pain takes center stage.
  • Any shoulder movement triggers discomfort.
  • Gradual loss of shoulder mobility.
  • Simple tasks such as fastening a seatbelt or reaching for a cup becomes difficult.

2. Frozen Stage

• Duration: Persists for about 4 to 12 months.
• Characteristics:
  • Pain may ease, but stiffness intensifies.
  • The shoulder resembles a rusted hinge, resisting movement.
  • Everyday activities like putting on a coat, combing hair become impossibly difficult.
  • Nocturnal discomfort/pain that disrupts sleep.

3. Thawing Stage

• Duration: Gradual improvement over 5 to 24 months.
• Characteristics:
  • The shoulder cautiously thaws, like a winter morning yielding to the sun.
  • Movement becomes less painful.
  • Range of motion gradually returns.
  • Patients regain the ability to reach overhead and perform daily tasks.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Frozen Shoulder Patients

Physical Therapy for Frozen Shoulder focuses on the management of symptoms present and reduction of pain and increasing available range of motion. Physiotherapy can help patients achieve decrease in pain/discomfort, improvement in muscle strength, return to activities of daily living, etc.

Services provided by Us:

Our physiotherapists will assess the painful area and treat the symptoms with a combination of techniques, some are as follows:

Physical therapy can help manage shoulder pain and aid in returning to normal everyday function. Our PTs are trained to provide relief by doing the following:

• Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy: Used for heating and promotes tissue healing.
• Interferential Therapy: Stimulates the muscle and nerve fibers.
• Shockwave Therapy: to relieve pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Muscle Strengthening and Stretching and training to improve overall function.
• Postural Training: for the best positions for weight bearing to reduce stress on the muscles and joints.
• Education: Learning different techniques to perform daily activities even while being limited
• Manual Therapy: Manual techniques such as trigger point release is beneficial in improving mobility and reduce pain.