LAHORE SPINE CARE
Neuro & Spine Care
PAINFUL ARC SYNDROME
Painful Arc Syndrome refers to shoulder pain that occurs within a specific arc of arm elevation, typically between 60° and 120° of abduction. Outside this range, movement is usually less painful or pain-free.
Common Causes:
1. Supraspinatus tendinopathy or partial tear
2. Subacromial bursitis
3. Shoulder impingement syndrome
4. Calcific tendinitis
5. Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology (pain > 160°)
Clinical Features:
- Pain during active shoulder abduction, especially between 60° and 120°
- No pain during passive abduction
- Pain subsides after 120°
- Often worse with overhead activities
- May have night pain or difficulty sleeping on affected shoulder
Diagnosis:
- Observation during shoulder abduction
- Hawkins-Kennedy test, Neer’s impingement test
- MRI or ultrasound may reveal rotator cuff or bursa involvement
Differential Diagnosis:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Labral tear
- AC joint arthritis (if pain at >160° abduction)
Physiotherapy Treatment:
Acute Phase:
- Rest and avoid painful arc movements
- Ice therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications (if prescribed)
Sub-acute to Chronic Phase:
- Postural correction
- Strengthening exercises for rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
- Stretching of tight shoulder muscles
- Manual therapy techniques to reduce subacromial pressure
- Therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, TENS, laser)
Electrotherapy:
- TENS for pain
- Ultrasound to reduce inflammation
- IFT to stimulate blood flow
Exercise Examples:
- Pendulum exercises
- Wall crawls
- Isometric rotator cuff strengthening
- Scapular setting exercises
Physio at Lahore Spine Care
Important Note:
If untreated, painful arc syndrome can progress to chronic rotator cuff tear or frozen shoulder.
Lahore Spine Care (Neuro and spine care) provides a painless, non-invasive, and skilled Physiotherapy and chiropractic therapy to restore spinal and joint …
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