Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is very common with an annual population prevalence of up to 46.7 % and lifetime prevalence of up to 66.7 % It is the 3rd most common cause of musculoskeletal condition in primary care and about 1 % of all adults consult a GP with new shoulder pain annually Four shoulder conditions account for most cases of shoulder pain and disability in primary care○ rotator cuff disorders ○ glenohumeral disorders○ acromioclavicular joint disease○ referred neck pain Study in Southern Australia has shown that shoulder symptoms are common affecting 22 % of adults UK data shows that the prevalence increases linearly with age - peaks around 50 yrs then remains static at around 2 % A 3 year f/u study in UK revealed that○ 22.4 % were referred to secondary care○30.8 % were issued NSAIDs○ 10 % received injections

High societal costs and patient burden Impaired QoL , increased psychological distress and reduced capacity to work and maintain employment It is estimated that in the year 200 the directs costs for the treatment of shoulder dysfunction in the US totaled $ 7 billions Shoulder complaints may have an unfavorable outcome with only about 50 % of all new episodes...