To evaluate a pain in the shoulder, the osteopath needs to go through some thorough medical and osteopathic tests that will lead to a correct diagnostic and treatment.

The osteopath needs to isolate as well as determine the structures responsible for the pain in the shoulder region.

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The shoulder is a suspended articulation meaning that there can not be pressure in the actual join. The pain is usually caused by a muscle spasm or inflammation, an irritation of the serous bursa or the shoulder caps, muscle calcification or in the worst cases, ruptures or semi-ruptures of the rotator cuff muscles.

The nerves arriving into the shoulder muscles come from the cervical spine, so shoulder pain could also be a consequence of a neck or upper back issue. Therefore, in a case of shoulder problems, the osteopath will have to fully assess the shoulder complex but also the cervical spine, the jaw, the shoulder blades and the upper dorsal region.

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More complex causes can also be possible: shoulder pain due to problems in the visceral area, psychosomatic pain, consequences of a dislocation or sub-dislocation. Therefore a very thorough examination of the upper thorax region will have to be done regarding any shoulders problem.

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I very often use taping to treat shoulder pain. The kinesio-tape is an elastic structure that helps repositioning the soft tissues and the shoulder complex to a more neutral and relaxed position.

And remember, any mal-position or dysfunction of a structure can potentially lead to pain and discomfort. This is why shoulder taping supports very well the osteopathic treatment.

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