Possible Causes for Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade

Shoulder pain can be frustrating and is often disruptive to daily life. Whether it appears suddenly or builds up over time, discomfort under the shoulder blade is not something to ignore. This pain, often described as dull, aching, or, in some cases, sharp and stabbing, can stem from a variety of causes.

If you're located in Winter Park, FL, and struggling with shoulder pain, physiotherapy may provide the answers you’re searching for. But before jumping into treatment, it’s important to understand what might be causing this pain and what solutions are available to you.
 

Understanding the Anatomy of the Shoulder Blade

The shoulder blade, formally known as the scapula, plays an essential role in providing mobility and stability to the upper body. It connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the collarbone and works closely with surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments to support a full range of motion for the arm and shoulder.

Because the shoulder blade is connected to various muscles across your back, chest, and arms, pain in this area can result from multiple sources—from muscular strain to nerve complications.
 

Common Causes of Pain Under the Shoulder Blade

1. Muscle Strain or Overuse

Strenuous activities, poor posture, or repetitive motions (like typing or lifting) can strain the muscles that attach to your shoulder blade. Over time, this can cause inflammation and discomfort under the scapula.

Signs to Watch:

• Soreness that's worse with movement
• Aches that improve with rest

2. Poor Posture

Sitting hunched over a desk all day or slouching while using your phone can place excess stress on your upper back and shoulder blade muscles. This prolonged posture imbalance can lead to muscle tightness and discomfort.

How Physiotherapy Can Help: A physiotherapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve posture.

3. Nerve Impingement

Pain under your scapula could be caused by nerve compression or irritation, like that seen with a condition such as thoracic outlet syndrome or herniated discs in the spine. This compression can send referred pain to your shoulder blade area.

Signs to Watch:

• Tingling or numbness
• A deep, aching sensation

4. Referred Pain from Internal Organs

Rarely, pain under the shoulder blade may stem from internal organ issues such as gallbladder disease or heart problems. While less common, this type of pain should not be overlooked. If your pain is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, it's always a good idea to consult a professional, especially if you experience unexplained or severe pain.

5. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or pinched during shoulder movements, leading to pain below or around the scapula. Constant overhead movements, such as swimming, painting, or throwing, may contribute to this condition.

6. Rib Injuries or Joint Dysfunction

Pain near the shoulder blade can sometimes be due to an underlying problem with the rib cage or thoracic spine. Misalignments, sprains, or joint inflammation can all trigger scapular discomfort.

Signs to Watch:

• Pain while taking deep breaths
• Tenderness when pressing near the area

7. Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This chronic condition involves tight, sensitive knots in the muscle tissue, often referred to as trigger points. These knots can send pain signals to the shoulder blade region, making movement uncomfortable.

How Physiotherapy Can Help: Physiotherapists often use myofascial release techniques, stretches, and exercises to reduce trigger points and restore mobility.
 

When to Seek Help

While mild discomfort may resolve on its own with rest and stretching, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored. Look out for the following red flags that indicate it’s time to consult a professional physiotherapist in Winter Park, FL, for an evaluation:

• Pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Difficulty moving your shoulder or arm
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
   

How Physiotherapy in Winter Park, FL, Can Help

At B Physical Therapy in Winter Park, FL, we specialize in helping individuals overcome pain and regain function through expert, customized physiotherapy treatments. Here’s how we can address pain under your shoulder blade effectively:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We get to the root of your pain through a thorough evaluation of your posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and any related contributing factors.

2. Individualized Treatment Plans

No two individuals are alike, and neither are their treatment plans. Your physiotherapy sessions will be personalized to meet your unique needs, with a focus on alleviating pain and preventing recurrence.

3. Targeted Exercises

Physiotherapy treatments often include exercises designed to build strength, enhance flexibility, and restore proper movement patterns. Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises build resilience in the muscles around your scapula.

4. Manual Therapy

Our expert team can provide hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint adjustments, to improve mobility, reduce tension, and relax the affected muscles.

5. Posture and Ergonomic Training

Poor habits like slouching or awkward desk setups can worsen shoulder blade pain. We empower you with strategies to improve your posture and adjust your workflow to prevent further strain.
 

Preventing Shoulder Blade Pain

While physiotherapy is excellent for managing and treating shoulder pain, prevention is just as important. Here are some simple but effective ways to keep your shoulders and back healthy:

• Practice Good Posture: Avoid prolonged slouching. Sit with your spine aligned and your shoulders back.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise strengthens the muscles surrounding your shoulder blades and prevents stiffness.
• Take Breaks: If your job involves repetitive tasks or sitting for long periods, take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around.
• Use Proper Techniques: During workouts or other physical activities, prioritize proper form to avoid undue strain on your muscles and joints.
• Invest in Ergonomics: Make sure your workspace (desk, chair, monitor) is set up to support good posture.
   

Final Thoughts

Pain under your shoulder blade can range from a minor inconvenience to a significantly limiting issue, but with proper care, the majority of cases can be managed and resolved. Through physiotherapy, you can address the root of the problem, find long-term relief, and prevent future occurrences.

If you’re struggling with shoulder blade pain and are based in Winter Park, FL, B Physical Therapy is here to help. Our team of highly trained specialists is dedicated to providing individualized care that gets you back to feeling your best.

Don’t wait to take control of your pain. Contact B Physical Therapy today to schedule your appointment and begin your path to recovery.