CJS Muscle Therapy

Not All Shoulder Pain Comes From the Shoulder 👀

As a Sports & Remedial Therapist, one of the most important things I assess is where your pain is really coming from.

Did you know that not all shoulder pain is soft tissue related?

For example, the gallbladder can sometimes refer pain into the right shoulder. This is thought to be due to irritation of the phrenic nerve, meaning the pain you feel in your shoulder may not actually be coming from the shoulder itself.

🚩 Possible Signs of Gallbladder Related Shoulder Pain:

• A dull, aching pain in the right shoulder or shoulder blade that isn’t aggravated by movement
• Intense pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades
• Pain that starts 30–60 minutes after eating, especially after fatty or greasy foods
• Nausea, vomiting, or bloating

This is why assessment matters.

While a Sports & Remedial Therapist doesn’t diagnose medical conditions, the right questions should be asked to ensure you receive the appropriate care. And sometimes, the best treatment we can provide is referring you to the right healthcare professional.

If your shoulder pain feels “different” or isn’t behaving like a typical muscle issue, it’s worth getting it properly checked.

Your body is always telling a story, so make sure you’re listening to the right one.

Muscle Tears: What You Need to Know

Muscle tears are one of the most common injuries I see in clinic, and recovery time can vary significantly depending on the severity.

There are three grades of muscle tear (similar to tendon and ligament):

• Grade I – Mild tear
• Grade II – Moderate tear
• Grade III – Complete (severe) tear

Healing times vary dramatically. A Grade I tear may recover within 2–4 weeks, whereas a Grade III tear can take up to 6 months to fully rehabilitate.

Common Symptoms of a Muscle Strain:

• Swelling, bruising, or redness around the injured area
• Pain at rest
• Difficulty or inability to use the muscle (weakness in the muscle or associated tendon)
• Occasionally a 'popping' sound at the time of the injury
• A palpable gap or defect in the muscle (in more severe tears)

Key Considerations for Rehab:

• Ice: Previously a go to treatment, we now understand that excessive icing may interfere with the natural healing process. However, it can still provide short term pain relief due to its analgesic effect.
• Optimal loading: Early, gradual loading of the muscle can help stimulate tissue repair and improve recovery outcomes.
• Avoid early stretching: Stretching too soon can aggravate the injury and increase the risk of reinjury.
• Seek professional guidance: A tailored rehabilitation plan based on the severity of the tear is essential for a safe and effective recovery.

If you’re unsure about your injury, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to your recovery.