The shoulder is the most complicated joint in the body and has to move through an incredible range of motion while maintaining strength and support. The shoulder actually has 4 joints that connect your humerus, collarbone, and shoulder blade to function as one unit.
Shoulder pain can occur for a variety of reasons, but is typically from:
Poor posture, especially when sustained over time, can lead to shoulder pain. Slouching or hunching forward can strain the muscles and ligaments around the shoulders, causing discomfort and tension. The improper alignment of the spine and shoulders puts additional stress on the joints, potentially leading to inflammation and pain. Correcting posture through exercises and mindful awareness can help alleviate and prevent this type of shoulder pain.
The rotator cuff muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing and controlling shoulder movements. When these muscles are weak or imbalanced, it can lead to shoulder pain. Activities that require repetitive overhead movements, such as lifting or throwing, can strain the rotator cuff muscles. Without proper strength and support, the shoulder joint may become less stable, leading to discomfort and even potential injury. Strengthening exercises targeting the rotator cuff muscles can help improve their function and reduce the risk of pain.
Injuries to the shoulder, such as strains, sprains, or tears of muscles, ligaments, or tendons, are common causes of shoulder pain. Accidents, falls, sudden impacts, or overexertion during physical activities can result in damage to the shoulder structures. These injuries can lead to inflammation, limited range of motion, and sharp or persistent pain. Proper diagnosis, rest, and rehabilitation under the guidance of a physcial therapist are crucial for recovering from shoulder injuries and managing pain effectively.
Since the shoulder motions are so complex, it takes experts in movement analysis to truly understand what is the root cause of your problem. Our expert physical therapists at Elliott Physical Therapy have years of medical training in movement analysis to determine exactly where your pain is coming from. We then put together a comprehensive treatment plan that will quickly relieve your pain and return to your normal shoulder range of motion.
The goal is to get you back to normal activities, pain-free as quickly as possible. Furthermore, our physical therapist educates you on posture techniques and simple exercises you can do to maintain your shoulder health.
If you have had shoulder surgery, count on us to work with you and your physician to achieve the best outcomes. With years of experience in helping patients fully recover from shoulder surgery, you are in good hands at Elliott Physical Therapy. Contact us in Dorchester, Easton, Hanover, Hingham, Mansfield, Milton, Needham, North Attleboro or South Boston today to learn more about how our physical therapist can help you quickly relieve your shoulder pain!
Empowering Results!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Come in for a Comprehensive Evaluation
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
DISCOVER THE ELLIOTT PHYSICAL THERAPY DIFFERENCE, GET STARTED TODAY!
FAQs
Sprains and strains are among the most commonly experienced overuse injuries in the shoulder area. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. Strains and sprains can result in an ongoing shoulder pain that may make it difficult to partake in exercise or even daily tasks. If the strain or sprain is minor, it can sometimes be iced at home and healed with rest. More severe strains and sprains will often require physical therapy treatments. Additional shoulder injuries include a torn cartilage, dislocation, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and arthritis.
Your shoulders can accomplish several physical feats due to their structure – however, this also means that they are susceptible to an increased risk of injury because of their complexity. If something becomes damaged in the make-up of the shoulders, pain and discomfort can develop. This pain may range from a dull ache to shooting pains, depending on the severity of the condition. If you are experiencing severe pain, or pain lasting three months or longer, it could be indicative of a deeper issue.
If your shoulder is causing you discomfort, physical therapy is the best way to ensure the highest rate of relief. Our physical therapists are highly trained to help improve the flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder, in addition to relieving your pain and discomfort. This will be done through an individualized treatment plan designed specifically for you, and may include any combination of treatment methods as your physical therapist deems fit, including manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, electrical nerve stimulation, or ultrasound. Your physical therapist will also prescribe targeted exercises and stretches to help regain your optimal shoulder function.
Two of the biggest goals of physical therapy are 1) to alleviate your pain and 2) to improve your function. Your physical therapist will work with you to make sure that both of these are achieved throughout your physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy has been proven to manage the pain of several conditions, and in many cases, it has even been proven to eliminate shoulder pain altogether, thus making the need for harmful drugs or surgical intervention obsolete.
