Physical Therapy Solutions to Help You Resolve Shoulder Pain

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Physical Therapy Solutions to Help You Resolve Shoulder Pain

Physical Therapy Solutions to Help You Resolve Shoulder Pain
Sep 10, 2023
Shoulder Pain Relief

Does your shoulder pain keep you up at night? Have you noticed you struggle with movements such as reaching overhead or behind yourself? Our team of skilled physical therapists at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness can help. We take a holistic view of care to ensure we provide effective techniques that eliminate shoulder pain and provide lasting relief.

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, but its mobility makes it prone to injuries and pain. This is because it relies on muscles for stability and strength. Overuse injuries and traumatic events like falls or heavy lifting can weaken or injure muscles around the joint and affect joint mechanics, causing pain and inflammation.

Getting the proper treatment early on is vital to a quick and lasting resolution of shoulder pain. For our Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness physical therapists, this means we understand the interconnectedness and influence of the different regions of the body on one another. For the shoulder, this means addressing your upper back and neck as well as your shoulder blade and arm to get lasting results.

In order to effectively treat any shoulder condition, our physical therapist must consider the whole body and how it functions as a unit. Contact Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness today to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists.

Let us help you find the relief you’ve been looking for!

Important components of the shoulder complex

The shoulder is known as a ball-and-socket joint, with the humerus (ball) fitting into the socket on the shoulder blade. Both ends of the bones are protected by thick cartilage that offers support and allows for smooth mobility.

The shoulder blade rests on the ribs and depends on the spine’s position for optimal functioning. Poor postural habits will ultimately impact how the shoulder joint moves and make the shoulder more susceptible to injury. Our physical therapist will assess the area of pain or discomfort and the surrounding regions and how they might be contributing to the problem.

We will also evaluate your overall movement patterns and posture, as well as your strength and typical activities that aggravate your pain. Our holistic approach helps us get a complete picture of the shoulders’ functions. We will assess the essential structures in the shoulder that, include the following:

  • The rotator cuff: A group of muscles that provides dynamic stability and a wide range of motion.
  • The bursas: Small sacs filled with fluid that cushion and protect the tendons from bones.
  • The labrum: Cartilage that reinforces the socket where the ball fits.

The extensive range of motion of the shoulder allows for incredible physical feats but also increases the risk of pain and injury due to less stability. Fortunately, our Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness therapists are highly skilled at identifying all the possible factors contributing to your condition. More importantly, we will address them one by one to ensure the best possible outcome!

The most common causes of shoulder pain

Pain from acute injuries can be sudden and intense, making it hard to move the shoulder. In contrast, pain from overuse-type injuries or degenerative changes tends to be achier and sore. The most common conditions that cause shoulder pain include the following:

  • Rotator cuff tendinitis: This condition refers to inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which are a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is often caused by overuse, aging, or injury.
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome: This condition occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder become compressed, resulting in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. It is typically caused by repetitive overhead movements or improper posture.
  • Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition is characterized by a stiff and painful shoulder joint that is difficult to move. The cause is unknown, but it is commonly seen in people with a recent injury or surgery or those with underlying conditions such as diabetes.
  • Bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder become inflamed, resulting in pain and swelling. It is often caused by overuse or injury.

Our Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness physical therapists will thoroughly assess the shoulder and the surrounding areas to identify the specific needs of each patient and the underlying cause of their shoulder pain. Our holistic approach effectively manages shoulder pain and improves shoulder function, allowing you to return to your normal activities.

What to expect at your physical therapy sessions

At Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness, our therapists thoroughly evaluate the injury, including using a holistic assessment and any additional diagnostic testing, to get to the root cause. Based on our examination and any test results, we will create a personalized care plan to promote recovery and prevent future injuries.

Our programs will typically include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, manual therapy techniques to improve mobility, and managing pain. Our patient-centered approaches are guided by the specific needs of each patient and the underlying cause of their shoulder pain.

Rehabilitation should start immediately after an injury to ensure the fastest recovery. We are dedicated to helping you find relief and prevent future episodes!

Request an appointment at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness today!

If you’re looking for a way to relieve shoulder pain, our Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness physical therapist can help. We will work with you to alleviate your pain and address any limitations affecting your condition. Our targeted approach will improve your function so you can get back to doing what you love!

Call to request an appointment and learn more about our services!

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Shoulder Pain Relief
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