An your shoulders are your most flexible and movable joints. They have a complex make-up, consisting of several tendons, muscles, and bones. The majority of your daily tasks involve the use of your shoulders, as they provide you with an extraordinary amount of mobility. While the complexity of your shoulders allows you to complete countless tasks, it also means they are susceptible to injury. When this occurs, you may experience pain and/or lack of mobility.
There are several reasons why shoulder pain may be experienced, but, fortunately, there are also several steps you can take to ease your discomfort. If you are looking for a natural and easy solution to your shoulder pain, contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll set up an appointment for you to discuss how our physical therapy treatments can get your shoulder moving again in no time.
What’s causing my shoulder pain?
It can sometimes be difficult to determine what exactly is causing your shoulder pain, as there are multiple conditions that can lead to it. For example, repetitive motions can cause shoulder pain, as your tendons, muscles, and joints are working in overdrive. However, a sudden injury or trauma to the shoulders can also cause them to become painful. Whatever the case may be, physical therapy can help treat your condition and relieve the pain or discomfort you are feeling. Some of the most common conditions resulting in shoulder pain include:
- Sprains and strains. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn. Sprains and strains can result in an ongoing shoulder pain that may make it difficult to partake in exercise or even daily tasks. If the sprain or strain is minor, it can sometimes be iced at home and healed with rest. More severe sprains and strains will often require physical therapy treatments.
- Tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. It can appear in several parts of the body, and colloquial terms such as “tennis elbow,” “swimmer’s shoulder,” and “jumper’s knee” are usually used to describe it. A physical therapist can treat different types of tendinitis and relieve the inflamed area.
- Torn cartilage. When a cartilage tears, you may experience a number of painful symptoms. You may experience decreased strength and a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. You may also experience pain when moving your arm in certain ways. If you are suffering from a torn cartilage, physical therapy can provide relief.
- Frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that typically occurs after extended periods of inactivity, such as being contained to a sling or cast after an injury. This condition will gradually worsen over time, resulting in pain and stiffness. It typically corrects itself after a couple of years, but physical therapy can help provide relief while you are recovering. It could also help to speed up the recovery process.
- Bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of the joints, and it affects the fluid-filled sacs surrounding the bones, muscles, and tendons. It often occurs in areas of the body that are used for repetitive motions. If you are experiencing bursitis, you may feel stiff or achy in the affected area, which could also become red or swollen. Physical therapy can help ease the inflammation, as well as your painful symptoms.
- Arthritis. Arthritis is a joint disease that causes pain and stiffness. There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between your bones begins to break down, causing the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when joints become swollen and inflamed. For both of these conditions, physical therapy can provide pain relief and mobility improvement.
Finding relief through physical therapy:
Just a few of the many goals of a physical therapist include relieving pain, increasing flexibility, and improving range of motion. After your physical evaluation, your physical therapist may decide to implement any combination of treatment methods, including ice and heat therapies to ease pain and increase mobility, massage therapy to relieve pressure, or an exercise regimen to promote healing and improved movement of the affected area. Additional treatment methods may include ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, or aquatic therapy as your physical therapist deems fit.
Whatever pain you may be experiencing, one of our licensed physical therapists is here to help. You will receive a specialized treatment program based on your specific needs. Physical therapy has been proven to help with several conditions, and in many cases, it has been known to eliminate the need for harmful drugs and invasive surgeries altogether. Contact Eastside Sports Rehab Bellevue, WA, today to find a natural and easy solution to your shoulder pain, and get started on your journey toward long-lasting relief!
