Severe shoulder pain (high reactivity)
Complaints to the arm or shoulder can sometimes be very painful, when this occurs we speak of a high reactivity in the shoulder. You will need to reduce your load on the shoulder (e.g. lifting, pushing, pulling and moving up) but increase the mobility of the shoulder. Think of sliding, rolling and pendulum exercises.
1. Rolling a swiss ball
Start by sitting on a long bench with the yoga ball in front of you on the bench. Place your hands on the ball and roll it as far forward as possible without letting go; you may use your back during this movement.
2. Sliding with a towel
Start in a seated position with your hands or forearms resting on the towel on the table in front of you. From this position, slide the towel as far forward as possible.
3. Push a towell over a table
Place your hands on the towel, shoulder-width apart. Slide across the table with your arms extended. Your torso moves forward as well. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement.
4. Handdoek anteflexie
Houdt beide handen tegen de handdoek op schouderbreedte. Beweeg de handdoek omhoog tot dat de armen gestrekt zijn. Beweeg de armen weer rustig terug en herhaal de beweging.
5. Retraction in a seated position
Start in a seated position, away from the backrest. Rest your hands loosely on your lap and, from this position, draw your shoulder blades towards each other.
6. Torbay anteflexie
In ruglig. De arm ligt langs het lichaam, met de handpalm naar boven. Beweeg de hand naar de schouder toe. Breng daarna de elleboog boven de schouder en strek de arm volledig uit. Breng de arm weer stapsgewijs naast het lichaam.
7. Torbay anteflexion circle
Lie on your back. Extend your arm alongside your body with the palm facing up. Bring your hand to your shoulder and position your elbow above your shoulder. Fully extend your arm and make a circle in the air. Gradually return your arm to your side.
8. circling with hanging arm
Stand behind the chair and hold onto it with one hand for support. Make circles with your free-hanging arm without using force.
Pilates ball
Hard. Compact. Qualitatively.
Fitness mat
Hard. Compact. Qualitatively.
What is severe shoulder pain (highly reactive)?
Shoulder pain is very common. We use the term highly reactive shoulder if you are experiencing a lot of shoulder pain. This can be accompanied by swelling and difficulty with movement.
The causes of severe shoulder pain (highly reactive)
Trauma can cause a highly reactive shoulder. A fall can for instance cause a shoulder muscle (rotator cuff) to tear or the shoulder can become inflamed. Chronic deterioration of the quality of the cartilage or shoulder muscles can also cause this type of shoulder pain.
The symptoms of severe shoulder pain (highly reactive)
An intense pain is often felt in the upper or outer side of the shoulder, with pain radiating to the upper arm, neck and forearm. Tingling, pins and needles and even weakness is occasionally reported. Stiffness, aching, swelling, red discolouration and limited range of movement are also common issues.
Lifting things, lying on the shoulder and/or lifting your arm above shoulder height usually aggravates the symptoms. Gentle movement within the pain free range tends to reduce the pain over time.
The treatment of severe shoulder pain (highly reactive)
In the early stages when the shoulder is very sore (highly reactive), there is a big difference between movement and loading the shoulder. Loading means lifting, pushing, gripping and general overuse of the shoulder. This should be avoided in this phase to prevent further aggravation. Movement within the pain free range however is recommended. This will stimulate blood flow to the damaged structures improving the chance of healing naturally. Ensure your sore arm is supported during these movements by lifting it with the other arm, using a table or pulley (when reaching higher).
Synonyms
Very painful, very sore, highly reactive, shoulder inflammation, can’t move shoulder, can’t move arm, severe shoulder pain
Advice
If you have any questions regarding the exercises, doubt if you are doing them correctly or aren’t sure they are suited for your condition, please contact your physiotherapist for support.
Attention:
Yourbody.coach offers a range of exercises. Yourbody.coach can not be held responsible if you develop injuries. Always consult your physiotherapist or specialist.