Nerve Disorders of the Shoulder Treatment

Nerve disorders within the shoulder affect nearby structures, and can cause pain, weakness and reduce mobility in the neck, shoulder and arm

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment for shoulder nerve pain and related disorders aims to:

Reducing Muscle Tension

Reduce Pain

Loss of range of Motion

Restore Movement

Recovery

Optimise Recovery

What are nerve disorders of the shoulder?

There are many nerves that run along the shoulder and arm that innervate muscles and structures to facilitate movement and sensation. The development, type and severity of a nerve issues can vary from person to person. Damage to neural structures or increased pressure from surrounding tissues like cartilage or tendons applied onto a nerve often causes the affected area to become inflamed or irritated, resulting in a myriad of painful and debilitating symptoms.

Some nerve disorders of the shoulder can mimic each other or other shoulder conditions with similar symptoms, or occur independently of each other.  

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Types of nerve disorders affecting the shoulder

There are a few types of common nerve disorders which affect the shoulder. Some can be related to a nerve injury or pinched nerve, but more specific neural disorders can include:

Nerves

Fascioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

Fascioscapulohumeral Dystrophy is an inherited nerve condition which causes progressive muscle weakness in the face, shoulder and shoulder blade (scapula), inhibiting range of movement.

The cause of the condition is usually due to minor genetic defects involving the structure and function of muscle cells – muscle fibres within the shoulder and arm area cannot contract effectively, with muscle cells rather than nerves being the main culprit.

Nerves

Parsonage Turner Syndrome

Parsonage Turner Syndrome is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition causing inflammation of a large group of nerves in the shoulder called the brachial plexus. The condition is characterised by sudden and sharp pain in the scapula (shoulder blade) with referred pain felt down the arm or in the neck.

The cause of the nerve inflammation is relatively unknown – the condition usually progresses to trigger muscle weakness in the arm and possibly lead to partial paralysis. There currently is no cure for the syndrome, however certain physical therapy techniques can help symptoms.

Nerves

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome is another rare disorder involving the compression of the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex artery. The condition is typically felt as a dull ache in the shoulder and arms with pain and weakness felt with movement.

The main causes of the syndrome include muscle tightness, overuse of the shoulder, cysts from a labral tear, and in rare cases, haematomas or tumours.

Nerves

Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy

Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy is caused by damage to the long thoracic nerve, resulting in weakness and pain in the muscles it innervates (Serratus Anterior muscle).

The condition usually occurs as a result of damage/trauma to the nerve or its surrounding structures. It presents as deep pain in the shoulder blades and a possible ‘winging’ of the scapula.

Nerves

Suprascapular Nerve Palsy

Suprascapular Nerve Palsy is caused by damage to the suprascapular nerve, resulting in weakness and pain in the muscles it innervates (Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus muscles).

The condition usually occurs as a result of direct damage/trauma to the shoulder or structures surrounding the suprascapular nerve.  It presents as deep pain in the posterior shoulder, often the result of repetitive overhead activities.

Nerves

Trapezius Muscle Palsy

Trapezius Muscle Palsy occurs as a result of damage to the spinal accessory nerve which innervates the trapezius muscle. This muscle is responsible for major shoulder and neck movements including raising the arms and shoulders.

Trauma or a sudden jerking movement of the neck or arm can damage the nerve and trigger muscle wasting and weakness.

What can cause shoulder nerve disorders?

Though certain nerve disorders have their own specific causes, some general risk factors can include:

  • Prolonged periods of laborious activity
  • Repetitive or sudden rotating/bending/pushing/pulling movements
  • Traumatic injuries – e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, etc.
  • Muscular spasms
  • Differential or pre-existing diagnoses of other musculoskeletal conditions
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Reducing Muscle Tension

What are the symptoms?

General symptoms of a shoulder nerve disorders can include:

  • Pain in both the affected and/or surrounding area of injury
    • Sharp, sudden, dull, ache – ranges in severity
  • Muscle spasms, weakness and/or fatigue
  • Nerve pain (pins & needles, tingling, sharp pain, burning, decreased sensation)
  • Worsened pain with movement and/or inactivity
  • Reduced range of movement
  • Poor stability, balance and strength
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Co-morbid or differential diagnoses of musculoskeletal injuries/conditions

Treatment for nerve disorders of the shoulder

If you are experiencing nerve pain in your shoulders or nearby in the arm or base of the neck, it is important that you see a medical professional to obtain a diagnosis and cause of your symptoms. You may be referred for scans to accurately determine diagnosis.

 

Though some nerve disorders have no cure, physical therapy is greatly beneficial at restoring movement, reducing pain and promoting healing. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Stretching exercises
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Postural improvement
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • TENS treatment
  • Pre- & Post-Surgery rehabilitation
  • A unique home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use support braces, rehabilitation devices or a suitable pillow.

Treatment
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How to book an appointment?

If you have a shoulder nerve disorder, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.

Need Help?

Are you in pain caused by a nerve disorder in your shoulder? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.

Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.

Contact us for more information on treatment

Contact Us

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Address

Sinnamon Park Village

3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park Qld 4073

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Give Us A Call

0410 559 856