Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy treatment addresses shoulder pain by
assessing the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and
joints in that region of the body. Shoulder pain may also accompany
neck, upper back, or elbow pain. Common causes of shoulder pain
include repetitive overuse at work or during sports, overhead
reaching, falling, or arthritis. The shoulder is the most movable
area of your body and can become unstable, leading to sprains,
strains, dislocations, separations, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator
cuff tears, fracture, or frozen shoulder. Shoulder pain is often
ignored and can progressively worsen, which can lead to more
problems and damage to the area. When your shoulder is forced out
of its normal position, instability, it can lead to subluxation or
dislocation of the joint. When your shoulder muscles are rubbing
against the top part of your shoulder blade, impingement, it can
cause inflammation to the area and lead to difficulty reaching
overhead and further injury to the area over time if not treated.
Rotator cuff injuries lead to difficulty using arm properly,
especially overhead, and can limit overall function needed to
perform daily activities. The rotator cuff is comprised of a group
of muscles and tendons that hold the joint together and allows the
mobility overhead.
You should seek a physical therapist to relieve your
shoulder pain if you have difficulty sleeping because
of your pain, weakness in your arm, limitation of
overhead motion, or have a popping sensation.
When is the best
time to start
physical therapy?
Typically, treatment should begin as early as possible. Treating a problem early helps to prevent it from becoming chronic and in the prevention of future problems.
freedom to move
Your Right to Choose
The decision of where you go to receive treatment is
yours. If you have a specific therapist or practice you
would like to go to, you should let your doctor or
insurance company know this. Not all physical
therapists or practices are the same and the choice
of your provider is yours.
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