Causes of Shoulder Pain

There are a number of conditions that can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause is a rotator cuff injury. A rotator cuff injury can be due to impingement, tendinitis, bursitis, or tears. Those who have to reach overhead repeatedly or simply work with their arms in front of them as in computer work frequently incur a rotator cuff injury. Bursitis is caused by an inflammation of its fluid-filled sacs. Rotator cuff tears or strains can occur after a fall, sports accident, or from repetitive movement and poor postures. Any type of shoulder injury will result in pain, limited movement, and may disrupt sleeping.

Other causes of shoulder pain include a pinched nerve, frozen shoulder, or a dislocated shoulder. A pinched nerve is when another structure is impinging on a nerve and results in shoulder dysfunction and pain. A frozen shoulder is where muscles, ligaments, and the joint stiffen then become difficult to move. With a dislocated shoulder, the ball of the humerus traumatically comes out of the shoulder socket. In the case of arthritis, as we age the soft tissues around the shoulder can degenerate and cause pain. Most people will incur some type of shoulder pain in their lifetime. The most common conditions we treat include:

• Rotator Cuff Impingement / Tendonitis / Weakness

• Rotator Cuff Tears And Degeneration

• Post Surgical Rotator Cuff, Labral And Instability Procedures.

• Labral Tears And Breakdown

• Bone Spurs

• Scapular Dysfunction

• Subluxations (Partial Dislocations)

• Biceps Tendonitis

• Non Specific Shoulder Pain

• Arthritis / Joint Degeneration

• Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder

How Physical Therapy Can Diagnose & Manage Shoulder Pain

Our physical therapists will evaluate your shoulder condition. The initial evaluation will be a thorough assessment of the nature of your pain. Special tests will be done to determine which structure is causing the pain. Once the source of the pain is identified, we will use different manual treatments and modalities to promote pain relief and start the healing process. These modalities include ultrasound, heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and cold therapy. Manual techniques such as massage and joint mobilization promote optimal alignment, movement, and promote healing. These treatments are a perfect adjunct to progression to exercises. Exercises will be utilized to ensure restoration of normal shoulder range of motion and joint mechanics. Strengthening exercises for key scapular and rotator cuff muscles will ensure safe return to your shoulder activities. Your physical therapists will instruct you in home exercises to enhance recovery from a shoulder injury. With physical therapy, healing is faster, and you won’t have to rely so much on pain meds.

Have you suffered a shoulder injury? Do you have shoulder pain without an injury? Get the answers and treatment you need to recover from your shoulder pain. Contact us at Pinnacle Physical Therapy for a personalized consultation and effective treatment plan. Our certified and skilled physical therapists have helped many others recover from a shoulder injury and can help you too. Recovery is just a phone call away.