Causes of Upper Limb Pain - Shoulder

Impingement Syndrome

A group of four muscles called the rotator cuff surrounds the shoulder joint and helps to keep the joint stable. These muscles are important in tasks that involve lifting your arm, reaching for objects in front of you and overhead, reaching back, and propelling your wheelchair.

Impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles rub against the acromion (the bony part on top of your shoulder that connects to the collar bone) and become irritated in the process.
Pain in the shoulder area, particularly on the front and side portions, is a symptom of impingement. This pain is made worse by activities when you hand is above your shoulder, and also may be worse at night.
Impingement syndrome can leads to serious problems affecting your ability to perform your daily activities, especially those which involve reaching.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Impingement may lead to a more severe condition called a rotator cuff tear. Repeated and constant irritation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles can lead to more damage and eventually cause a tear.
Treatment for this condition involves reducing your activities physical and occupational therapy, and in more severe cases, surgical repair. This would make it quite difficult for you to recover the full shoulder function needed to perform your daily activities such as transferring and pushing your wheelchair. If the damage is severe enough, you may need someone else’s assistance for performing transfers, propelling your wheelchair and other activities of daily living while you recover.

Pitt Bar links