Shoulder problem, no pain (yet), put no improvement in weeks

[DiscoStu]

Hi, first time I've posted and never had problem like this before so hope i'm giving enough detail.

A couple of weeks ago my left shoulder started to click, feels like it's on the back side near to the top corner of the shoulder blade, sometimes its a quite prominent audible 'clunk' when I raise my arm or move it around, most of the time it's a less prominent click/pop seemingly from 'within'. I do not have any pain at this time.

About 2 weeks later it 'seems' to happen more easily, I don't know if it's me tuning into it more and being more aware of it, but I think it's happening more often in different positions now.

I can be sat at my desk at the office and if I move my arm (say to reach for the phone) i'll get it (almost like tendons 'pinging' off something) from what seems like the bit where the bursa is I believe. If I hold the corner of my left shoulder with my right hand, fingertips just on the indent behind what I think is the clavicle I can feel movement there when it clicks when lifting my arm.

Non of this is painful, just very easy to notice, not sure if everything is tight or something.

I don't do sports or anything, haven't had any injuries or any trauma in that area. I'm planning on starting the gym and don't want to do anything yet until I know what I'm dealing with.

The only thing that has changed in recent weeks is my office chair, as I was aware my posture was deteriorating because my previous chair was one of those director-style ones that never 'locked' into place, so it kept tilting back and I was leaning forward at the desk to counter it. I since switched to a straight upright one and try to maintain a proper posture - I'm wondering if that has had an effect in some way? But can't understand how that would effect my shoulder area.

I do have a slight ache in the middle of my spine which is probably because I'm trying to maintain an upright seating position; not sure if that's a contributing factor.

As mentioned I would like to start doing weights (i don't at the moment in any way) but want to get this sorted before I do anything, but wary of going to the doctor for a physio referral due to the threat of swine flu in the waiting rooms.

I have a resistance band/thera tube style device for doing light stretches, was thinking of using it to train the shoulder muscles thining they may not be pulling my shoulder in enough.

Would appreciate any help or advice, thank you for taking the time to read this I know it's a bit long.

Stu.

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[physiobob]

Might be as simple as your acromioclavicular (AC) joint. You can put this slightly out even sleeping. Get someone to take a look and mobilize it through range to see if the click resolves.

[Hallamshire Physiotherapy]

Hi Stu

Do you think that sitting with a slumped posture and protracted shoulder girdle has just started to stress the glenohumeral? Try sitting up and extending your thoracic spine and then reposition your shoulder girdle (lift it up and back). If this improves the shoulder 'clicking' carry on and even tape your scapular to help retrain this position.

Dont worry about the 'clicking', I don't see many people who damage their shoulder in bed (unless they have a proclivity to jump off wardrobes!)

Steve
Hallamshire Physiotherapy

[Canuck Physio]

Hi Stu

Do you think that sitting with a slumped posture and protracted shoulder girdle has just started to stress the glenohumeral? Try sitting up and extending your thoracic spine and then reposition your shoulder girdle (lift it up and back). If this improves the shoulder 'clicking' carry on and even tape your scapular to help retrain this position.

Dont worry about the 'clicking', I don't see many people who damage their shoulder in bed (unless they have a proclivity to jump off wardrobes!)

Steve
Hallamshire Physiotherapy

Not many people I know who can self tape their backs!

There are over 14 muscles attached to the scapula, and unless one can rotate their head like an owl 180degrees I do not see how a self assessment of the musculature, position, and joint play is possible

During weight training, a good-great muscular balance is required to execute many exercises.

For example, in bench pressing or shoulder pressing movements, I often see people with upward rotation and elevation of the scapulae during these movements. A compensatory pattern is usually seen through the Csp and neck musculature.

How does this affect the AC joint, if that is the area of symptoms?

Well, the various muscles again as mentioned above. A slight change in biomechanics from trapezius may influence the firing pattern of deltoids and rotator cuff musculature with the combination of poor posture.

I wouldn't recommend beginning pressing movements with altered biomechanics, as sooner than later a larger issue will become.

As a fitness instructor, physiotherapist, and avid weightlifter myself, it is seen even in so called 'fit' populations a variety of joint issues due to abhorrent lifting technique.
Regards