When it comes to shoulder pain, physical therapy is the most multi-faceted option for treatment. Patient education is at the forefront of our work as we help you recognize activities in your daily life that may be contributing to pain. The goal of physical therapy is to allow you to continue doing the activities that you love so we’ll offer alternatives and modifications to these daily behaviors so that you’re not aggravating your condition. It’s the physical therapist’s job to help you understand what’s happening to your shoulder, why, and individualize your treatment plan based on your specific lifestyle.
Your physical therapist will consider your history: What replicates your symptoms? What makes it better? What makes it worse? It’s important for your PT to get an idea of how you’re spending your time to get a sense of what the shoulder is being asked to do. Patients who work at a desk all day for instance, may not think that this information could be relevant to their shoulder pain, when their desk setup could actually be a contributing factor.
Your PT will also conduct range of motion tests, assess joint mobility, strength and mechanics while moving. Most importantly, they will identify if the pain is reproduced with specific shoulder movements/aggravation and perform special tests to bias particular tissues in the shoulder. This allows PTs to gauge your current state and to come up with a plan of care that best fits your needs.
Rotator cuff training and scapular strengthening are commonly incorporated in shoulder rehabilitation because these muscle groups are enormously valuable. These groups work together to provide a stable and aligned shoulder. Your PT will work with you to build stability, strength and endurance. In addition, your physical therapist may use other techniques, such as:
- Soft Tissue Mobilization to improve tissue length and tone to optimize the muscle’s ability to actively contract or lengthen.
- Joint Mobilization to improve mobility of the shoulder and to decrease pain.
- Stretching to improve range of motion and help you return to your normal activities without pain.
- Patient Education to give you the necessary tools to gain control over your recovery and progress.
- Custom Exercises based on your specific condition to improve and maintain range of motion, strength and coordination.
While there are other shoulder pain treatment methods available,
physical therapy can be the best solution for a personalized plan of care that incorporates your work/daily duties into recovery. Your PT will work the affected muscles and prescribe strengthening/stretching exercises so that the problem doesn’t come back. They’ll also help to strengthen secondary areas of the body, such as weakened forearm muscles or poor posture, that may be contributing to your shoulder pain. As you work one-on-one with your physical therapist, they will ensure that they uncover the root of your issue and correct it for the long-term.
Physical therapy is very low risk, safe and individually designed to address the longevity of your shoulder joint and prevent any issues of pain or discomfort from arising again. For a long-term fix and success down the road, physical therapy is the right option. To learn more about how to prevent shoulder pain injuries or to eliminate any current discomfort, book a physical therapy assessment today.
