Shoulder Complaints: Common Issues and How to Address Them

Shoulder complaints often negatively impact your ability to carry out daily activities. You might experience pain when moving or even a constant, nagging ache. These shoulder issues are common and can be incredibly frustrating for many people.

At Mvolo, we are committed to providing you with the right tools to manage these complaints. We also support the LPO (National Pain Organization) in working towards permanent solutions for these problems.

Fortunately, there are several ways to address these complaints now, including the use of infrared light.

Here, we discuss the most common shoulder complaints, their causes, and provide some effective tips to alleviate the pain.

What Are the Common Shoulder Complaints?

When it comes to shoulder complaints, there are many different types of issues that people suffer from. You can likely relate to one or more of the following types of shoulder problems:

#1: Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the muscles and tendons in the shoulder get pinched between the different bones. This can lead to pain and a restriction of your range of motion. The symptoms generally include:

• Pain when lifting your arm
• A constant, nagging pain in the shoulder
• Loss of strength

This type of complaint is common among people who work or engage in activities above their heads, such as swimmers and painters.

#2: Frozen Shoulder

Another well-known shoulder complaint is frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). This is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful.

It usually progresses gradually, taking months or even years for the pain to reach its peak. The main associated symptoms are:

• Severe pain
• Restricted movement

This makes 'normal' daily activities, like getting dressed or driving, particularly challenging. The exact cause is often unknown, but it commonly occurs alongside diabetes, thyroid disorders, or prolonged immobilization after an injury.

#3: Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis is another significant shoulder condition. This involves inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. These tendons typically allow you to move and stabilize your arm.

However, with rotator cuff tendonitis, you feel pain when lifting your arm (especially at night) and a sense of weakness in the shoulder.

This condition is common among people who perform repetitive arm movements over a long period, such as painting, lifting, or specific sports activities.

#4: Shoulder Dislocation

The final example of common shoulder complaints is shoulder dislocation. This injury occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket.

It causes a lot of pain and often leads to:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Restricted movement

This injury usually happens due to a fall, sudden movement, or a hard blow to the shoulder. After the first dislocation, the risk of recurrence is higher because the ligaments and muscles around the joint are often damaged the first time it happens.

The Cause of Shoulder Complaints

When discussing the cause of shoulder complaints, it is clear that certain factors are generally the main culprits in the development of shoulder problems. Consider the following:

• Overuse : Overuse is a common cause of shoulder complaints. Repeatedly performing the same movements (eg, in sports or physical labor) leads to wear and tear on the tendons and muscles. These microtraumas accumulate and eventually cause pain and inflammation. It is important to take regular breaks and do exercises to strengthen and stretch the shoulders.
• Poor Posture : Poor posture, both sitting and standing, is another major cause of shoulder complaints. Sitting hunched over for long periods (eg, at your computer at work) strains the shoulder and neck muscles. This causes tension and pain.
• Trauma : Specific trauma is a third cause. The main examples are a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder. It ranges from a simple bruise to a complex fracture or dislocation. Trauma often causes acute pain and swelling and usually requires immediate medical attention.

3 Tips to Relieve Shoulder Complaints

Are you dealing with shoulder complaints yourself? Naturally, you want to alleviate or significantly reduce these as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are enough methods to achieve this:

• Use Infrared Light : Infrared light therapy is an effective method for relieving shoulder complaints. This type of light penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates blood circulation and cell regeneration. This reduces inflammation and promotes the healing of damaged tissue. Using Mvolo's infrared lamps will significantly reduce pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Use the lamp daily for about 15 to 20 minutes on the painful area.
• Physical Therapy : Physical therapy often plays a crucial role in relieving shoulder complaints. A physical therapist will develop a specific exercise program aimed at strengthening and stretching the shoulder muscles.
• Ergonomic Adjustments : Finally, adjusting your work environment is a smart move to reduce your shoulder complaints. Ensure an ergonomic workspace with a properly adjusted office chair, a monitor at eye level, and a keyboard and mouse at the right height. This makes it easier to maintain good posture and prevents unnecessary strain.

Don't wait longer than necessary and take action today!