Shoulder pain is a common condition that affects about 16% to 26% of the general population. It is a debilitating condition that causes severe discomfort and affects an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, reducing their overall quality of life. Shoulder pain is commonly caused by injury, overuse, and chronic conditions. Regardless of its causal factors, shoulder pain is a condition that should be quickly addressed to prevent further complications. How do you treat shoulder pain?
Physical therapy is one of the most effective noninvasive treatment methods for shoulder pain. This treatment method employs several techniques, such as exercises to treat and manage pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles. This article will examine physical therapy techniques that can be used to treat and manage shoulder pain at Summit Physical Therapy.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Several factors may cause pain in one or both of your shoulders. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injuries: The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of three main bones – the upper arm bone, shoulder blade, and collarbone. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place, allowing you a wide range of motion. However, the rotator cuff may become damaged due to overuse injury or traumatic events. One of the most common rotator cuff injuries is tendinitis, the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons due to overuse or repetitive motion. The rotator cuff tendons can also tear partially or completely due to traumatic events or age-related degeneration.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled pads that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joint. Repetitive shoulder movements and direct traumatic blows to the shoulder may lead to the inflammation of these fluid-filled sacs, reducing tissue friction. Bursitis causes significant shoulder pain.
- Frozen shoulder: This condition occurs when the connective tissue wrapping the shoulder joint becomes thick and tight. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder causes stiffness and severe pain in the shoulder.
- Arthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by joint swelling and tenderness. It is caused by inflammation of the joints, leading to severe pain and discomfort. Common types of arthritis that cause shoulder pain include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poor posture and ergonomics: Poor posture due to work requirements, a sedentary lifestyle, and bad habits can strain shoulders and cause severe pain.
Other common causes of shoulder pain include impingement syndrome, fracture, dislocation, nerve compression, infection, referred pain conditions, etc. You may experience discomfort from severe shoulder pain that limits your mobility and makes it difficult for you to perform daily tasks. Therefore, you should consult your primary healthcare provider in Merrick immediately if you notice symptoms of shoulder pain. Some symptoms of shoulder pain may include:
- Recurring and persistent pain
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness in the shoulders
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Numbness in the shoulders
Physical Therapy Exercises for Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy exercises in Merrick is a healthcare profession that aims to relieve pain while promoting, maintaining, and restoring health through several physical therapy techniques. Shoulder pain therapy in Merrick takes a noninvasive approach, making it one of the most suitable treatment options for shoulder pain. This treatment option reduces the considerable risks and complications that accompany surgery and long-term medications. Physical therapy also addresses the underlying causes of pain and improves the overall quality of life.
After comprehensively assessing your shoulder and medical condition, a physical therapist will create a unique treatment plan that matches your treatment goals and needs. Your treatment plan may include physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy, pain management techniques, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities. These techniques ensure you enjoy relief from shoulder pain and improve your shoulder function.
Therapeutic exercises are physical activities and movements designed to decrease pain, correct impairments, and restore physical function. Therapeutic exercises are active physical therapy techniques that require patients to participate directly in their recovery. Several exercises can help with your shoulder pain and are divided into different categories, including strengthening, flexibility, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises. The following are four of the most effective physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain:
Doorway Shoulder Stretch
The doorway shoulder stretch strengthens your shoulders and opens your chest.
Directions
- Stand in a doorway and place your palms on the doorframe. Ensure your elbows form a 90-degree angle
- Step your right foot forward while your palms are still pressed to the door frame sides
- Lean forward and tighten your core
- Hold the position for 30 seconds
- Repeat the stretch on the other foot
- Repeat both stretches
Downward Dog Pose
The downward dog pose is an inverted pose that stretches and strengthens your shoulder and back muscles
Directions
- Start this stretch on your hands and knees
- Press your weight into your hands while lifting your hips to the ceiling
- Slightly bend your knees while distributing your weight evenly in your hands and knees
- Straighten your spine and bring your head toward your feet. Ensure you flex your shoulders overhead
- Hold the pose for 60 seconds
Child’s Pose
The child’s pose relieves neck, shoulder, and back tension. To support yourself, you can place a cushion under your legs, chest, or forehead.
Directions
- Put your big toes together from the downward dog pose. Ensure your knees are slightly wider than your hips
- Sink your hips onto your heels
- Extend your arms in front of you
- Let your chest fall toward the fall while you relax your spine and shoulders
- Maintain the pose for 5 minutes
Seated Twist
The seated twist exercise stretches your neck and shoulders. Ensure your hips face forward during the exercise. Also, start the twist in your lower back.
Directions
- Sit in a chair, ensuring your ankles are under your knees directly
- Twist your upper body to the right as you bring your left hand to your right thigh
- You can place your right hand wherever it is comfortable
- Hold the position for 30 seconds
- Repeat this stretch on the left side
- Repeat the exercise on both sides
Physical therapy in Merrick NY can reduce shoulder pain and inflammation while improving your range of motion and overall function.
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Conclusion
Shoulder pain can severely impact your ability to perform activities of daily living and overall quality of life in general. However, physical therapy exercises offer a long-lasting solution without any risks or complications. If you are suffering from shoulder pain, you should consider consulting a physical therapist at Summit Physical Therapy for physical therapy exercises.
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