Shooting Shoulder Pain: What It Really Means and How to Fix It
Insights from Wil Seto of INSYNC Physio
When we hear “shooting shoulder pain,” it might conjure up dramatic images—but for many active individuals, especially those new to sports like boxing, it’s a frustrating and mysterious reality. In a recent interview, Mark Bossert sat down with Wil Seto, Sports Physiotherapist and Owner of INSYNC Physio, to unpack a fascinating case of shoulder pain that wasn’t caused by any specific traumatic event—but by something far more subtle.
🥊 The Patient’s Story: Boxing Meets Shoulder Pain
Wil describes a patient who began experiencing shoulder pain about two to three weeks into starting boxing. The pain wasn’t immediate—it crept in during sessions and lingered through the evening, only to vanish by morning. Interestingly, taping the shoulder eliminated the pain entirely, hinting at a mechanical or structural issue.
🧠 Digging Deeper: Neck, Nerves, and Movement Dysfunction
Wil’s team ruled out common culprits like rotator cuff injuries and focused on a more complex source: the neck. The patient had a history of neck tightness, and testing revealed weakness in areas connected to the brachial plexus—a network of nerves running from the neck to the shoulder and arm.
The diagnosis? A movement pattern dysfunction. In simple terms, the patient’s body had developed poor movement habits, contributing to tight muscles, compressed joints, and nerve tension. This wasn’t just about the shoulder—it involved the neck, upper back, and nervous system as a whole.
🧘♀️ What Does “Tense Nerves” Mean?
Wil explains that just like muscles can tighten under stress, so can our nervous system. This tension can restrict movement and create pain patterns that mimic more serious injuries. In this case, the patient’s nervous system was “on edge,” contributing to the shooting pain.
🛠️ Treatment That Works: Reset and Retrain
The first session focused on manual therapy to reset the dysfunctional movement pattern. After targeted adjustments to the neck, mid-back, and shoulder, the patient’s strength improved dramatically—within just 45 minutes. She was astonished!
But Wil emphasizes that lasting change takes time. The body needs to relearn healthy movement patterns, and that means consistent treatment, specific exercises, and sometimes tools like taping or IMS (intramuscular stimulation).
🏁 The Road to Recovery
The long-term plan involves:
- Manual therapy to reset tight muscles and joints
- Reinforcement through tailored exercises
- Supportive taping during boxing sessions
- Ongoing reassessment to track progress
Even though the pain had only been present for four months, Wil suspects the dysfunction had been brewing much longer. The good news? With the right approach, recovery is not only possible—it’s highly likely!
📍 Are You Feeling the Pain?
If you’re experiencing unexplained shoulder pain, especially if it’s shooting or linked to activity, INSYNC Physio might be your next stop. With clinics in Vancouver and North Burnaby, their team is equipped to diagnose and treat complex movement issues with precision and care.
