Shoulder Pain in Caregivers and Patients: A Lesson in Safer Patient Handling

Shoulder pain is a significant problem in healthcare workers and patients alike. Th ere are many risk factors for shoulder pain in the healthcare environment, and many of the changes in health care over the past 5 years have further magnifi ed the issue. Th is article describes the structure and function of the shoulder, explores common causes of shoulder pain, provides causative factors for caregivers and patients, including particular reference to patient lift ing and transferring, and discusses the confounding impact of recent changes in health care. An action plan is presented, designed to reduce the risk of pain and injury to both caregivers and their patients.

Gallagher SM, Arnold M

Keywords: physiology of shoulder pain, shoulder injuries, injury prevention, safe patient handling