SHOULDER REHABILITATION

What is shoulder rehabilitation?

Shoulder rehabilitation consists of a conditioning programme to help strengthen the shoulder after a serious sports injury, degenerative disease or traumatic accident. A complete, carefully planned shoulder rehabilitation programme is designed to promote flexible and pain-free shoulder movements to continue enjoying life as you once did.

Fortunately, a well-structured rehabilitation program consisting of coordinated exercises and physiotherapy can help you live a better lifestyle.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Shoulder rehabilitation may include several conservative treatment approaches aimed at reducing pain, controlling inflammation, and improving shoulder function.

• Rest and Shoulder Protection
  Allowing the shoulder adequate time to recover is an essential part of the healing process. A sling may be recommended to support and stabilise the arm while limiting unnecessary movement. Activities that place stress on the injured shoulder should be avoided, as continued strain can delay recovery and increase the risk of further injury. Proper rest also assists in managing inflammation within the joint and surrounding tissues.
• Cold and Heat Therapy
  Cold therapy is commonly used during the early stages of injury management to help decrease swelling and discomfort. Applying an ice pack to the shoulder for short intervals, particularly during the first two days after injury, may help reduce inflammation. Elevating the shoulder can further assist in minimising swelling.
  Once the initial inflammation has settled, heat therapy may be introduced to encourage circulation in the affected area. Improved blood flow can support tissue healing and help relax tight or stiff muscles surrounding the shoulder.
• Medications
  Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications are frequently prescribed to help control discomfort and swelling. Depending on the severity of symptoms, oral corticosteroids may occasionally be recommended to further reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
• Cortisone Injections
  Corticosteroid injections may be administered into the joint, bursa, or around an inflamed tendon to provide targeted relief from pain and inflammation. In some situations, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the injection for optimal results.
• Physical Therapy
  Physiotherapy plays a key role in restoring normal shoulder movement and improving joint stability. A rehabilitation programme may include strengthening exercises, stretching routines, posture correction, and mobility training to help regain shoulder function.
  Physical therapy also focuses on preventing recurring shoulder problems by teaching proper movement patterns, safe lifting techniques, and exercises that minimise unnecessary stress on the joint during daily activities.

What does shoulder conditioning aim to do?

Shoulder rehabilitation aims to increase muscle strength and flexibility of the shoulder and strives for a better range of motion. Stretching the muscles that are targeted during specific exercises is particularly important for improving the shoulder’s range of motion and minimising the risk of injury.

A variety of muscle groups in the shoulder are targeted during a concise rehabilitation program such as:

• The deltoids are muscles that transverse the back and front of the shoulder.
• The trapezius muscle is an expansive, flat muscle that travels from the neck to the thoracic area. This particular muscle is triangular in shape and begins at the stem of the neck and ends at the centre of the back.
• The rhomboid muscles lie in the upper back and assist with the cohesive movement of the scapula and shoulder girdle.
• The teres muscles are dense muscles that make up the shoulder joint.
• The supraspinatus muscle is located on the upper portion of the shoulder joint, which helps reinforce the strength of the joint, especially for lifting the arm.
• The infraspinatus muscle, a triangular-shaped muscle, forms most of the Infraspinous Fossa at the back of the scapula.
• The biceps muscle can be found at the front of the upper arm, and the triceps muscle is located at the back of the upper arm.

Various types of shoulder exercises reinforce the shoulder’s strength and stability. For example, Dr van Niekerk will refer you to a physiotherapist to engage in pendulum exercises, isometric shoulder exercises, mobility exercises and exercises to increase scapular stabilisation.