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.