Shrug Off Shoulder Pain This Fall

November Newsletter

At 63, John had always been the kind of person who believed in the power of a good day’s work. His garden was his pride, and weekends were often spent tending to his backyard. However, one autumn afternoon, while clearing out overgrown bushes, John felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. 

Brushing it off as a muscle strain, he expected it to pass with a little rest. But as days turned into a week, the pain persisted, disrupting his sleep and making simple tasks like lifting objects overhead challenging and sometimes impossible.

Reluctantly, John decided to consult our physical therapists at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness, suspecting that it might be more than just a strain. His physical therapist, after a detailed assessment, suggested that John might have a rotator cuff injury. This was a common issue among active individuals over 60 and was likely not just the result of one day’s work but likely a culmination of wear and tear over the years.

The Physical Therapy Program

The program began with a thorough evaluation of John’s shoulder, including range of motion, strength, and functional movement tests. The physical therapist also focused on John’s pain levels, understanding that pain management was a priority, especially to improve his sleep quality.

Manual Therapy Techniques

The initial phase of treatment involved manual therapy. This included gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue massages around the shoulder to reduce stiffness and alleviate pain. These sessions not only provided immediate relief but also prepared John’s shoulder for more intensive exercises.

Mobility Exercises

Once the pain was manageable, John was introduced to mobility exercises. These exercises were aimed at improving the range of motion in his shoulder. John was taught targeted exercises based on his specific limitations, which he performed both during therapy sessions and at home and helped restore shoulder movement.

Strengthening Exercises

As mobility improved, the focus shifted to strengthening exercises. These exercises targeted the muscles around the shoulder, especially the rotator cuff muscles. John learned that strengthening these muscles was crucial for shoulder stability and to prevent future injuries. With resistance bands and weights, John worked on building strength, always under the watchful eye of his therapist.

Functional Training

Understanding John’s eagerness to return to his yard work, his therapist incorporated functional training into the program. This included specific movements and tasks that simulated his typical activities, ensuring John’s shoulder could handle the demands of his hobby.

Restoring Function and Confidence

Over the weeks, John noticed a remarkable improvement. His pain levels decreased, sleep quality improved, and lifting objects became easier. The most rewarding moment came when he could return to his yard work, doing what he loved without the nagging fear of shoulder pain.