Physiotherapists, traumatologists and rheumatologists agree that besides the spinal system, the shoulder represents the source of some of the most common injuries to the locomotor system.
This is in large part due to the great biomechanical demands of the shoulder; its great mobility is made possible anatomically by a weak articular congruence, rendering a complex state of stability often difficult on the active structures, or muscles.
Shoulder pathomechanics focuses not only on analytical aspects, but also on misalignments caused by imbalances in different myofascial chains. Thorough understanding of this relationship demands close study of this particular joint as well as general knowledge of the wide scope of physical injury and treatment.
Concepts of shoulder pathology have evolved steadily as new technologies have led to novel discoveries and enabled better understanding. Advancements in physiotherapeutic rehabilitation are in large part due to empirical observations made by numerous researchers, from scapulo-humeral periarthritis, described by Duplay in 1872, to outlet (Neer) impingement syndrome. Today, both preventative and post-operative shoulder care is considered a valuable form of physical therapy, as it effectively treats pain while functionally adapting to each patient’s needs, daily physical demands, and professional and athletic skills.
For shoulder physiotherapy to be effective, the professional needs not only a good understanding of basic physiotherapeutic techniques, but expertise in anatomical, biomechanical, pathomechanical and surgical aspects. The active involvement of physiotherapists, surgeons and anatomists in this specialised course ensures a complete education and interdisciplinary approach to this area of study.