Physio Edge podcast with David Pope

115. Shoulder pain & weakness - diagnosis and detective work. Physio Edge Shoulder success podcast with Jo Gibson

Mar 19, 2021

Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist Jo Gibson discusses a case study of a man with shoulder pain & weakness, highlighting the diagnostic challenges. Key topics include uncommon shoulder pain presentations, impact of symptoms like difficulty smiling, recommended tests, muscle weakness, long term prognosis, evidence-based treatment, and involvement of medical specialists in diagnosis. The podcast aims to enhance physiotherapists' skills in assessing & treating stiff shoulders.

32:38

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Episode guests

Jo Gibson

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Quick takeaways

Differentiate uncommon shoulder pain presentations for accurate diagnosis.

Understand the impact of muscle weakness on shoulder function, indicating potential neuromuscular disorders like fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy.

Deep dives

Key Rehab Challenges in Shoulder Pain Patients

Jo Gibson, a clinical physiotherapy specialist, discusses a case study of a 21-year-old gym enthusiast who developed shoulder pain and asymmetry in the scapula. Despite no significant neurological symptoms, he struggled with maintaining his arms above shoulder height. Upon examination, he exhibited marked scapular winging and trapezius weakness, indicating a potential diagnosis of fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease that presents with facial weakness and progressive muscle wasting.

Interpreting Physical Signs for Diagnosis

01:22

Identifying and Managing Scapular Thoracic Fusions

01:31

Introduction

3min

Shoulder Pain and Weakness Diagnosis Case Study

4min

Assessment and Diagnosis of Shoulder and Facial Muscle Issues

13min

Shoulder Issues: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatment Options

9min

Genetic Testing and Specialist Referral Importance in Diagnosis

4min

Time for some detective work - can you diagnose the cause of this man’s shoulder pain? Listen out for the clues in this interesting case study.

When your shoulder pain patient has bilateral shoulder pain after starting a gym program, difficulty lifting their arms overhead due to weakness, significant bilateral scapular winging and muscle atrophy, what are your potential diagnoses?

Find out in this case study with Jo Gibson (Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist), and discover:

When patients have uncommon shoulder pain presentations, what potential diagnoses can you keep in mind?
How does it impact your diagnosis if your patient has difficulty smiling, whistling and drinking through a straw?
What’s this patients’ diagnosis?
What tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis?
Which muscles are commonly affected?
How much muscle weakness commonly occurs?
What is the long term prognosis for this condition?
What treatment is supported by the evidence?
Are braces helpful?
Which medical specialists are important to include in diagnosis & management?

Podcast handout

The handout for this podcast consists of articles referenced in the podcast. There is no additional transcript or handout available.

Free webinar “5 common mistakes therapists make with shoulder pain, and what to do about them” with Jo Gibson

Register now for the free webinar "5 common mistakes therapists make with shoulder pain, and what to do about them" with Jo Gibson (Upper Limb Specialist Physio)

Frozen and stiff shoulder assessment & treatment with Jo Gibson

Improve your assessment and treatment of frozen and stiff shoulders now with Jo Gibson’s online course at clinicaledge.co/frozenshoulder

Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson

Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess

Links associated with this episode:

Articles associated with this episode:

Download the podcast handout to receive the articles associated with this podcast.
Hamel J, Tawil R. Case Studies on the Genetic and Clinical Diagnosis of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Neurologic Clinics. 2020 Aug 1;38(3):529-40.
Mul K, Lassche S, Voermans NC, Padberg GW, Horlings CG, van Engelen BG. What's in a name? The clinical features of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Practical neurology. 2016 Jun 1;16(3):201-7.

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Physio Edge podcast with David Pope

115. Shoulder pain & weakness - diagnosis and detective work. Physio Edge Shoulder success podcast with Jo Gibson

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Key Rehab Challenges in Shoulder Pain Patients

Diagnosis and Clinical Features of Fascioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

Treatment Challenges and Options for Fascioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

Community Engagement and Continued Learning

Interpreting Physical Signs for Diagnosis

Identifying and Managing Scapular Thoracic Fusions

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts