While the number of hip and knee replacements performed each year in Australia has ballooned in recent years, shoulder replacement surgeries are still relatively rare.
There are a number of reasons for this, but not because less people have shoulder pain. Studies show the prevalence of both knee and hip pain in Australians over 60 is around 25%, while one recent study found the prevalence of shoulder pain was 37% in those aged over 65.
One reason fewer shoulder replacements are performed is because hips and knees, as weight bearing joints, have been the focus of more surgical research and development over a longer period.
And while the shoulder’s high mobility and reliance on soft tissues for stability make it a more complex joint to replace, it also means that many shoulder problems can be managed with less invasive procedures.
getback Clinicial Director Geoffrey Mackay said that shoulder pain often stems from weakened stabilising muscles within the shoulder joint.
‘The rotator cuff muscles, along with surrounding stabilisers, play a crucial role in keeping the shoulder joint aligned and functional,’ he said.
‘Traditionally, physiotherapy relied on basic tools such as pulleys and bands to address these problems.’
‘But those methods are not standardised and their effectiveness can’t be measured or tracked.’
Most importantly, these basic tools fall well short of bio-mechanical optimisation.
‘An example is the rubber band exercises commonly used for outer and inner rotation of the shoulder,’ Mackay said.
‘These exercises exert the highest load at the end of the movement where the muscles are weakest, placing unnecessary stress on the joint while producing a less than optimal training effect.’
Targeted training for shoulder stability
Mackay said getback treatment programs for shoulder pain utilise cutting-edge technology and medical exercise devices to precisely target and strengthen the small rotator cuff muscles.
‘Treatment is focused on delivering significantly increased mobility, endurance and strength to reduce pain and improve shoulder function,’ he said.
‘The bio-mechanical design of the shoulder exercise devices ensures that training aligns with the strength curves of these muscles for a safer and more effective training experience.’
‘The devices allow patients to perform isolated external and internal rotation movements in a controlled manner, directly targeting these critical stabilising muscles.’
Safe, controlled range of motion
A key challenge in shoulder rehabilitation is ensuring that patients don’t overload the joint or compensate with incorrect movement patterns.
The getback devices guide the patient’s arm through a safe, anatomically correct range of motion, with adjustable resistance tailored to each patient’s capacity. This ensures gradual progression without unnecessary strain, particularly important after surgery or during early recovery.
Integrated software within the devices allows therapists to track range of motion, strength and endurance improvements over time. This not only helps tailor individualised therapy plans, but also motivates patients by showing their measurable progress.
Pain reduction through balanced strengthening
Mackay said that many shoulder problems also arise from muscle imbalances, for example, dominance of the internal rotators combined with weak external rotators.
The getback devices enable targeted correction of these imbalances.
‘By strengthening the weaker muscle groups in isolation, the devices help restore optimal shoulder mechanics, which can reduce pain and improve function in daily activities or sports.’
Mackay said that getback exercise therapy for shoulder pain suits patients suffering from chronic, recurrent, post-operative or post-traumatic shoulder problems.
The following problems are also suitable for rehabilitation through getback exercise therapy.
- poor posture
- frozen shoulder
- rotator cuff disorders
- shoulder instability, and;
- osteoarthritis in the shoulder joints
For more information or to book an Initial Physiotherapy Consultation, see https://getback.com.au/physiotherapy-for-shoulder-pain/
