The shoulder joint is a very complex joint that is made up of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons and it allows your body to undertake a wide variety of activities. Pain in the shoulder is a common musculoskeletal condition that up to 67 percent of people will experience at some time during their life. Just everyday pushing, reaching and pulling can take a toll on the shoulder. Here’s a list of shoulder injuries that can cause pain and have a negative effect on your regular daily function. Feel free to contact our highly trained physical therapist at Life In Motion Physical & Hand Therapy.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that connect the arm bone to the shoulder blade. Its function is to keep the arm bone in the socket when using the arm. An injury to the rotator cuff can be due to excessive throwing, reaching or lifting. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are a pain over the top of the shoulder and weakness when moving the shoulder. A Physical or Occupational therapist will do a thorough evaluation of your pain, range of motion, strength and your ability to perform basic activities. Most patients respond well to around six weeks of Physical or Occupational Therapy for a rotator cuff injury. If you need surgery for a severe rotator cuff injury, Physical or Occupational Therapy can help reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, increase strength and can help get you back to normal activities again.
Shoulder Dislocation
When the ball of the upper arm and the shoulder socket separate, this is called a shoulder dislocation. Getting struck in a sporting activity or falling can cause this to happen. There is immediate pain and difficulty moving the arm. There may also be numbness, discoloration or a cold feeling in the arm or hand. An X-ray is usually taken to ensure that you don’t have a fracture. If there is no fracture, a healthcare professional can put the shoulder back in place. Physical or Occupational Therapy will initially work to reduce inflammation and pain and then on very gentle range of motion. After this, strengthening comes next. Typically, it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks to recover from a shoulder dislocation.
Frozen Shoulder
Also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder refers to a condition that is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Physical or Occupational Therapy will help to regain your motion as well as restore the biomechanics of good shoulder motion.
Shoulder Replacement
If a shoulder replacement is necessary, a Physical or Occupational Therapist can help ease the post-operative pain and swelling. They will work to help you regain motion of the shoulder and improve your strength.
The Role of Physical and Occupational Therapy with Shoulder Pain
A physical therapist will evaluate your functional abilities and range of motion in order to create a personalized treatment plan to restore mobility and relieve shoulder pain. A Physical or Occupational Therapist may also give advice on workplace ergonomics and activity modification.
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, contact us to learn how we can help you. Physical therapists and Occupational Therapists are experienced and knowledgeable. Get the pain relief physical therapy treatment. Contact Us Today at our Pinellas Park Physical Therapy Clinic to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
