Shoulder Pain

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is discomfort that affects any part of your shoulder joint. The shoulders are among the most mobile joints in the human body, but this mobility comes with a price: an increased risk of general wear-and-tear.

Anyone can experience shoulder pain, but it’s most often seen in people whose jobs or hobbies require repetitive overhead motions. For example, if you’re a painter or carpenter, you lift your arms over your head dozens of times daily.

Regardless of the cause, if you suffer from shoulder pain lasting more than a few days, seek treatment right away.

What causes shoulder pain?

The Performance Therapy Institute team treats shoulder pain caused by:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Shoulder impingement
• Shoulder instability
• Overuse injuries

Sometimes, shoulder pain is caused by a traumatic injury like a car accident or fall.

When should I see a physical therapist about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment at Performance Therapy Institute if your shoulder pain lasts more than a week and affects your range of motion. That’s especially true if you notice the pain getting worse or your symptoms started after a fall or another traumatic episode.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

Your Performance Therapy Institute provider reviews your health history. They ask about your symptoms, including when the pain started, where it’s at, and if activities like lifting your arm above your head make it worse.

Your provider then completes an exam. They look at your affected shoulder for abnormalities like redness and bruising, gently press on your shoulder and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive places, and assess your shoulder’s strength and range of motion.

Your provider can diagnose some shoulder injuries visually. However, if your provider suspects an underlying problem like a torn rotator cuff or broken bone, they order diagnostic imaging. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can confirm shoulder damage and guide treatment.

How is shoulder pain treated?

The Performance Therapy Institute team takes a holistic, integrative approach to treating shoulder pain. They could suggest:

• Manual therapies like soft tissue massage to reduce inflammation
• Ice packs to ease pain and swelling
• Wearing a sling or a brace
• Laser therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Range-of-motion exercises to improve mobility
• Strengthening exercises
• Activity changes to prevent wear-and-tear damage

Most shoulder pain patients benefit from undergoing several treatments at once. Your provider monitors your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed to speed healing and ensure positive results.

Call the nearest Performance Therapy Institute office today to schedule shoulder pain treatment, or book your appointment online.