The shoulder is one of the most complex and heavily worked joints in the body. As a result, it can be highly vulnerable to injury-causing some of the most debilitating forms of pain while significantly limiting a person’s daily activities. Injuries to the shoulder are often caused by a fall, strain, heavy lifting, or throwing. However, most shoulder pain is caused by gradual irritation over time. This is often due to repetitive use, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. When left untreated, an injury or gradual irritation can often lead to bigger problems.
At Wright Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating the following common shoulder conditions:
Tendonitis/Tendinopathy
Tendonitis/Tendinopathy is caused by the inflammation of a tendon. Over time, this condition can become very painful, making it difficult to move the shoulder when reaching for an object. In severe cases, this condition can also result in a “frozen shoulder” severely limiting a person’s normal range of motion.
Dislocation
Dislocation of the shoulder can be especially painful and debilitating. Often this type of injury occurs when the bones separate from the shoulder causing it to pop out of place. Strains, tearing and other damage to the soft tissues in the joint can also occur when the shoulder is dislocated.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a shoulder condition of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendons and joints) that causes irritation or inflammation. This type of condition can cause the shoulder to become stiff and painful.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common shoulder condition caused by the breakdown of tissue or cartilage of the joint. This can cause the shoulder to become stiff and painful when moved.
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons in your shoulder. Tears or injuries related to this condition can be caused by normal wear and tear or an acute injury such as a fall. In either case, a damaged rotator cuff can cause weakness, pain, and loss of motion.
Postural Dysfunction
Postural Dysfunction is another common cause of shoulder pain. Sitting for extended periods of time behind a computer can lead to muscle imbalances which can cause pain or injury to the shoulder over time.
Impingement
Impingement is caused when the tendons and bursa are impinged from the bones of the shoulder, causing inflammation and pain. This condition can be especially painful when reaching overhead, lifting, or carrying a heavy object.
Hands-On Physical Therapy
In order to alleviate common shoulder problems, a solution must be based on the source of gradual irritation or the type of injury you may have sustained. Treatment is then focused on controlling pain while restoring motion and strength using hands-on physical therapy techniques.
Physical therapy used to alleviate shoulder pain will often include a variety of innovative treatment approaches combined with a comprehensive exercise program custom-tailored to your specific needs.
Hands-on physical therapy and healing modalities for shoulder pain may include:
- Ice
- Heat
- Ultrasound
- Electrical Stimulation
- Stretching Exercises
- Strengthening Exercises
- Low Impact Aerobics
- Soft Tissue Massage
- Joint Mobilization
- Traction
Wright Physical Therapy
At Wright Physical Therapy, we use hands-on treatment, and exercise based strategies combined with healing modalities to improve a large variety of common shoulder pain conditions. If you have shoulder pain, don’t wait until things get worse. Get to the root of your pain now so that appropriate treatment can be applied.
Contact one of our Magic Valley locations today to book a consultation with one of our expert physical therapists. Our ultimate goal is to inspire you to create a life of maximum joy through high skilled treatment, innovative solutions for health, uplifting environments, and service.
