How Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is a musculoskeletal condition that millions of people of all ages and genders worldwide may experience at some point in their lives. Apart from the obvious discomfort this condition causes, it also restricts movement, limits your ability to perform normal daily activities, interferes with sleep, and significantly reduces quality of life over time. You may experience shoulder pain due to injuries from accidents and overuse, illnesses, and other medical conditions. 

If you have tried pain-relieving medications and other methods that have proved ineffective in the long term, you should consider physical therapy in Merrick, NY. Physical therapists employ various non-invasive techniques, such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, postural training, patient education, etc, to help you relieve shoulder pain and regain strength and physical function. Therefore, this article will explore how physical therapy at Summit Physical Therapy can relieve shoulder pain and the additional benefits you stand to gain. 

Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a very mobile joint, and it is the body’s most flexible joint. However, it is also one of the most complex joints in the body. The shoulder provides a wide range of motion, ensuring that you can perform several actions with your arms. As a result, the shoulder joint is prone to damage from instability, overuse, or even some medical conditions. The following are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

• Acute injuries: Sudden injuries to the shoulder that occur due to falls, collisions during sports, or even car accidents can overstretch, tear, and damage the shoulder joint and its muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When this occurs, you may experience severe pain and discomfort in your shoulder. In addition, repetitive motion in athletes and certain occupations can gradually strain the shoulder joint and soft tissues, leading to chronic pain.

• Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles - supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis - and their tendons surrounding the shoulder joint to provide stability and support, and facilitate a wide range of motion. Despite its importance, the rotator cuff is highly susceptible to partial or complete tears due to age-related degeneration, wear and tear due to overuse, and other traumatic events. You may also experience tendinitis (inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons) due to degeneration from overuse and aging. 

• Shoulder impingement syndrome: This condition occurs when the tendons and bursae (fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder) are compressed, pinched, and under pressure from the shoulder blade whenever there is arm movement. Shoulder impingement syndrome is caused by poor posture, underlying anatomical deficiencies, muscle imbalances, and repetitive overhead motion. 

• Bursitis: The shoulder joint is filled with bursae, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions, reducing friction in areas where the bones, tendons, muscles, and skin rub against one another. However, these bursae may become painfully inflamed, leading to bursitis and causing pain, swelling, and tenderness around the shoulder joint. Bursitis is caused by excessive pressure on the bursae and repetitive motion.

• Shoulder dislocations and fractures: Although this condition is less common, it causes severe shoulder pain. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and sometimes, the head of the humerus can partially or completely slip out of the shoulder socket due to falls or direct trauma to the shoulder. You may also experience a shoulder fracture (a break in one of the bones that make up the shoulder joint) due to traumatic events. Fracture or dislocation of the shoulder joint can lead to significant damage to the joint and its surrounding structures. 

Signs and symptoms associated with shoulder pain include:

• Severe discomfort
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Significant weakness in the shoulder or arm
• Soreness and tenderness.
• Popping, clicking, or grinding sensations while moving your arm
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the arm
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Visible deformity, etc. 

How Does Physical Therapy Address Shoulder Pain?

Physical therapy is a healthcare practice that aims to promote, maintain, and restore physical health in people who have suffered injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions that cause pain and disability, through several non-invasive techniques and interventions. The following explains how physical therapy addresses your shoulder pain:

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

This is the first step during shoulder pain therapy. A comprehensive evaluation of your condition is necessary to form an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment method for you. During this phase, your physical therapist will evaluate your pain levels, mobility, strength, and other components of physical function in your shoulder. Since physical therapy tries to treat the underlying cause of pain rather than its symptoms, these tests are essential to figure out the exact cause of your pain. Your physical therapist may also recommend diagnostic imaging tests if necessary. 

Individualized Treatment Plan

After your physical therapist has a comprehensive understanding of your condition through initial assessment, they will curate a unique rehabilitation plan to suit your treatment goals and needs, based on assessment results. Your treatment plan may include several passive and active non-invasive techniques. Some of the key physical therapy techniques that may be in your treatment plan include:

Manual Therapy

This is one of the most common non-invasive physical therapy techniques that physical therapists employ to manage pain and restore mobility and physical function in people suffering from musculoskeletal problems. Manual therapy utilizes hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal conditions. During manual therapy, your physical therapist will apply specific movements to your joints and soft tissues to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore physical function. Some common manual therapy techniques include joint mobilization, massage therapy, trigger release, myofascial release, soft tissue manipulation, etc. 

Therapeutic Exercises

These refer to a series of movements and activities designed by a physical therapist to relieve pain and restore function. Your physical therapist will recommend therapeutic exercises suitable for your condition and treatment needs. Some common types of exercises that your therapist may recommend if you suffer from shoulder pain include strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, posture correction exercises, etc. 

Pain Relief Modalities

Shoulder pain causes severe discomfort that can limit your mobility and physical function. Therefore, your physical therapist may combine other modalities during physical therapy to treat and manage pain. Some of the most common pain-relieving modalities your physical therapist may incorporate during physical therapy include ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), heat or cold therapy, etc. 

Functional Training

Since shoulder pain restricts physical function, restoring function after relieving pain is important. You may undergo functional training to improve your daily movement patterns. During functional training, your therapist may simulate real-world movements to ensure that you can start performing your daily activities safely and comfortably. Functional training is also important to teach you the proper movement mechanics to avoid re-injury and improve physical function. 

Patient Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapists also provide education about your condition, ensuring you know the dos and don’ts to ensure faster recovery and effective treatment. Your physical therapist may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as workstation setup and sleeping position to reduce the strain on your shoulder, manage pain, and reduce your risks of future re-injury.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain causes severe discomfort, limiting mobility and restricting physical function. If left untreated for a long time, acute shoulder pain may become chronic pain and lead to other complications. Over time, shoulder pain may reduce your overall quality of life. Therefore, you must seek immediate treatment if you experience this condition. If you suffer from chronic pain, you should consider undergoing physical therapy at Summit Physical Therapy for effective treatment and management.