Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a jolt of pain in your shoulder? Maybe you felt a nagging ache after a long day at work or a weekend spent doing strenuous activities. Shoulder physical therapy can help with shoulder pain.
The shoulder is an incredibly complex joint made up of many small bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments all working together. When any small part of this intricate framework becomes damaged or inflamed, it can lead to shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain is incredibly common, affecting millions of people each year. However many people don’t fully understand what’s causing their pain or what treatment options are available.
This blog aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of shoulder pain. We’ll discuss causes, symptoms, and treatment options, with particular emphasis on shoulder pain physical therapy.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is a complex structure made up of several joints combined with tendons and muscles. It allows for a wide range of motion in your arm, but this flexibility also makes your shoulder susceptible to various problems and injuries.
Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache deep in the shoulder, which often worsens when you try to sleep on the involved side or perform overhead movements.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues in your shoulder joint become thicker and tighter, and scar tissue develops, causing your shoulder joint to lose its ability to move freely.
Arthritis
The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis (also known as “wear and tear” arthritis), which tends to get worse over time.
Fracture
Fractures of the shoulder bones can occur from a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or twisting forces.
Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between the bones in your joints, including the shoulder joint. If these sacs become inflamed, it is known as bursitis, leading to pain and swelling in your shoulder.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
The symptoms of shoulder pain can vary depending on what’s causing it. They may include:
- A constant dull ache
- Sharp pain when moving the arm in certain ways
- Swelling, warmth, or redness over the joint
- Difficulty lifting objects or raising your arm
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Here are some options:
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling.
Rest and Ice
Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms, combined with regular icing, can help manage pain and inflammation.
Shoulder Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing shoulder pain and improving function. A physical therapist can assess your condition and develop a personalized shoulder pain physical therapy plan focused on relieving pain, improving mobility, and strengthening your shoulder muscles.
Here’s what you might expect during a shoulder pain physical therapy session at a physical rehab center:
- Range-of-Motion Exercises: These exercises help improve flexibility and movement in your shoulder. This can involve gentle stretching exercises and movements that mimic everyday activities.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support your shoulder can relieve pain and prevent further injury. This often involves resistance exercises using bands or weights.
- Manual Therapy: Physical therapists at the physical rehab center use hands-on techniques to help improve movement and decrease pain. This can include massage, mobilization, or manipulation.
- Posture Education: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. A physical therapist at a physical rehab center can teach you how to improve your posture to reduce stress on your shoulder.
- Pain Management: This might involve heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to help reduce pain and swelling.
Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy Near Me
Shoulder pain, while common, should not be ignored. It’s essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to manage the condition effectively. Physical therapy, in particular, can play a pivotal role in alleviating pain, improving mobility, and enhancing your quality of life.
At H2 Health, our skilled and licensed physical therapists are committed to providing personalized shoulder pain physical therapy tailored to your unique shoulder condition. We offer a comprehensive range of therapeutic services designed to help you regain control of your life from shoulder pain.
From targeted exercises that improve flexibility and strength and hands-on manual therapy techniques to education about posture and movement, we’re here to guide you on your journey to recovery.
Contact us at (800) 699-9395 to schedule a consultation at our physical rehab center near you or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
