Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Uncover the cause of your shoulder pain and why physical therapy is the solution
You probably don’t think about your shoulders very often until you experience sudden pain in one or both of them. Shoulder pain can make daily tasks, such as reaching up to grab something or brushing your hair, seem impossible. Fortunately, our physical therapists understand shoulder pain causes and, more importantly, how to resolve them!
Fortunately, our treatment options for shoulder pain can help you achieve a more comfortable life. Physical therapy at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab will use proven treatments to help ease your pain and improve the function of your shoulders. By attending regular sessions and following the guidance of your practitioner, you could end up saying goodbye to shoulder pain for good!
Our physical therapists are dedicated to helping you overcome shoulder pain so you can participate in sports, work duties, and other daily tasks.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists!
Shoulder Pain Causes
Our physical therapists must locate the source of your pain so we can provide the most effective treatment methods. There are many shoulder pain causes, such as:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and initiate shoulder joint movement. It is often caused by overuse, aging, or injury.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Shoulder impingement syndrome is caused by the compression of the tendons and bursa in the shoulder joint. It is typically the result of repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing, painting, or lifting weights.
- Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is characterized by a stiff and painful shoulder joint that is difficult to move. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it is typically seen in people with an injury or an underlying condition like diabetes.
- Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder become inflamed, causing symptoms like pain and swelling. This condition is often caused by overuse or injury.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the shoulder joints.
Causes and Treatment Options: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Overcome Shoulder Pain
The techniques we will use to resolve your shoulder pain will depend on your condition and other health factors. Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation in which they will assess your condition or injury and determine any factors that may be contributing to it.
Our patient-centered approaches are guided by the specific needs of each patient and the underlying cause of their shoulder pain. The methods we use at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab for shoulder pain may include:
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered by your therapist’s hands. This method is often used to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore joint and tissue function.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Our physical therapists will teach specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility, muscle strength, and stability in the shoulder region. During treatment, you will likely learn range of motion and targeted strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles in your upper back, shoulder blades, and shoulders.
- Postural Correction: Have you ever felt achiness or discomfort from slouching too much? Poor postural positions, such as rounded shoulders, can affect the function of the shoulder joint and be a source of pain. If posture appears to be an issue, our therapists will teach you corrective measures and recommend ergonomic advice. This will help you maintain better posture while sitting at a desk, using electronic devices, reaching overhead, or participating in other activities.
- Education and Self-Management Strategies: By learning how to manage your shoulder pain and keep it from worsening, you’ll be more likely to overcome your condition. Our physical therapists will teach you about the source of your shoulder pain, proper lifting techniques, body mechanics, and self-management strategies to prevent further injury and pain.
Start Your Journey Toward Relief Today!
Constant pain can feel like it’s taking over your life. But you don’t have to let it hold you back any longer! Our highly trained physical therapists are experts in determining shoulder pain cause and the best treatment options so you can find the relief you’ve been searching for.
Call Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab today to learn more about treatment options for shoulder pain and how we can help.