shoulder-pain - ipmhclinic.org

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder joint is a connection between your torso and arm and thus is provided by a vast range of movement, which makes it more prone to injuries. Any disturbance in the intricate balance between the mobility and stability ratio of the shoulder can lead to pain.

Injuries to the surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursa and joints due to gym exercises, sports injuries, activities related to lifting weights etc can lead to shoulder pain. The pain area varies depending on the cause, pain can be constant or activity based.

Common Conditions

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

This condition involves the thickening and "gluing" of the shoulder capsule (the connective tissue surrounding the joint).

The Science:

The joint capsule undergoes fibrosis, leading to severe adhesions.

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Class 4 Laser Therapy:
Unlike lower-power lasers, our Class 4 Laser delivers high-wattage photonic energy deep into the joint capsule to stimulate Photobiomodulation. This increases cellular energy (ATP) to "soften" the fibrotic tissue.

Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe):
Restores the natural 8–12 Hz vibration of the surrounding musculature to "thaw" the joint.

The Osteopathic Focus:
Practitioners often use the Spencer Technique, a specific seven-step series of rhythmic articulations.

How it helps:
It stretches the capsule in all directions to break down internal “bridge” adhesions. By gently stretching the tissue while it is in a “warmed” state from the Laser, the Osteopath can expand the joint volume, allowing the “glued” surfaces to slide apart

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (Muscle/Tendon Injury)

Injury to the Supraspinatus or Infraspinatus tendons, often involving micro-tears or collagen degradation.

The Science:

Chronic stress leads to Angiofibroblastic Hyperplasia (weak, disorganized tissue).

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Radial Shockwave Therapy: Physically stimulates the Tenocytes to produce new, healthy collagen fibers.

Class 4 Laser: Significantly reduces healing time by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and speeding up tissue regeneration.

The Osteopathic Focus: Glenohumeral Centration. The Osteopath uses manual pressure to guide the humerus back into its optimal center.

How it helps: By resetting the “pivot point” of the shoulder, the Osteopath ensures that the rotator cuff muscles aren’t being overstretched. This creates the perfect environment for Radial Shockwave Therapy to build new collagen without the old mechanical friction interfering

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (Pinching Pain)

It is the compression of the tendons or bursa in between the shoulder complex leading to irritation and inflammation in the shoulder. Commonly causes pain while lifting the arm up.

The Science: This is a mechanical failure involving a reduced Subacromional Space.

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Class 4 Laser: Provides immediate pain relief by de-sensitizing the irritated nerves in the pinched area.

Matrix Rhythm Therapy: Releases the "guarding" muscles (like the Pectoralis Minor) that pull the shoulder forward and down.

The Osteopathic Focus: The Thoracic Spine (mid-back) and Ribs. If your mid-back is stiff or "hunched," your shoulder blade (scapula) cannot tilt backward to clear a path for the arm.

How it helps: The Osteopath performs Rib Raising and thoracic mobilization. By "unlocking" the ribs and straightening the mid-back, they physically open the subacromial space. This stops the "pinching" immediately at the source.

Subacromial Bursitis & Tendonitis (Inflammation)

Severe irritation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that protect the shoulder joint.

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Class 4 Laser: : This is a "game-changer" for bursitis. Its deep thermal effect increases local micro-circulation, flushing out the inflammatory "waste" that causes sharp pain.

The Osteopathic Focus: Lymphatic Drainage & Fluid Dynamics. Osteopaths use specific manual rhythms to encourage the drainage of inflammatory fluid away from the joint.

How it helps: Think of it as “opening the drain.” By reducing the internal hydrostatic pressure, the sharp pain of bursitis is relieved, and the “flushing” effect helps the Class 4 Laser’s energy reach the deeper tissues more effectively.

Cervicogenic Shoulder Pain (Neck-Related)

Persistent pain from years ago, often leading to Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis.

IPMH Clinic Approach:

The Osteopathic Focus: Precise Spinal Mobilization. The Osteopath identifies “somatic dysfunctions” (vertebrae that are stuck) and releases them..

Class 4 Laser: : Targeted along the nerve path to reduce Neuralgia (nerve pain) and repair damaged nerve sheaths.

How it helps: It removes the “kink in the hose.” Once the nerve pressure in the neck is removed, the shoulder muscles stop their protective spasms, and the nerve signals—which the Laser is trying to repair—can flow clearly again..

Post-Surgical & Post-Injury Stiffness

Following surgery or a fracture, the body creates "Arthrofibrosis" (internal scar tissue).

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Class 4 Laser: Uses high-intensity light to penetrate scar tissue, making it more elastic and less painful.

Matrix Rhythm Therapy: Works at a cellular level to ensure the new tissue fibers align correctly.

The Osteopathic Focus: Restoring the Scapulohumeral Rhythm. This is the 2:1 ratio of movement between the arm and the shoulder blade.

How it helps: The Osteopath manually "glides" the shoulder blade to re-train the brain and muscles to work in harmony. This prevents the development of "compensatory pain" in the neck or the opposite shoulder that often follows a major injury.

Chronic Degenerative Shoulder Pain (Old Injury)

Persistent pain from years ago, often leading to Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis.

IPMH Clinic Approach:

Radial Shockwave: Used to break down long-standing calcifications in the tendons.

Class 4 Laser: Stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to maintain the health of the joint surface.

The Osteopathic Focus: Synovial Induction. This involves gentle, repetitive "pumping" of the joint.

How it helps: This movement stimulates the production of synovial fluid (the joint's natural oil). By increasing lubrication and improving local blood flow, the Osteopath reduces friction and "grinding," making the joint feel younger and more mobile even if some arthritis is present.

Conditions

Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder is mainly characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The causative factor is usually

Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder is mainly characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The causative factor is usually

How to manage

Relieve pain & inflammation using Class 4 Laser to calm nerves and improve blood flow
Repair damaged tissue with Shockwave & Matrix Rhythm Therapy to rebuild healthy fibers
Restore joint movement through Osteopathic techniques that release stiffness and adhesions
Prevent recurrence by correcting posture, nerve flow, and shoulder movement coordination

Shoulder problems heal best when addressed early. Delaying treatment can prolong pain and stiffness. Sudden or unexplained left-side shoulder pain may be cardiac in origin—urgent medical consultation is advised.