GET RELIEF FROM SHOULDER PAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY
Does your shoulder bother you at the end of the day? Is shoulder pain keeping you from playing with your kids or grandkids? Are you losing sleep because of pain? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people suffer with shoulder and rotator cuff pain. Below you will learn more about this and how a physical therapist can help you feel better and avoid surgery in many cases.
Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about rotator cuff injuries:
“The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens when you try to sleep on the involved side.
Rotator cuff injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters, carpenters, and people who play baseball or tennis. The risk of rotator cuff injury also increases with age.
Many people recover from rotator cuff disease with physical therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.” Reference – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/home/ovc-20126921
It’s important to note that while a rotator cuff tear sounds very serious, many people are able to rehab without the need for surgery. Even if you do have to get surgery, meeting with a physical therapist first will help you to have the best range of motion and strength possible prior to surgery.
Besides rotator cuff injuries, you can also have shoulder pain that is coming from your neck. This is called referred pain. Your physical therapist will be able to help determine if this is a cause of your pain, plan your treatment accordingly, or refer you to a specialist for further help.
HOW CAN A PHYSICAL THERAPIST HELP ME?
Your evaluation with your physical therapist starts with a complete medical history that includes any previous injuries, any questions or concerns you may have, and your goals. This helps them so that they can develop a treatment program that is just right for you. You will be given an exercise program to help improve your strength and motion, so you can get back to doing the things you want. And last but certainly not least they will teach you about your condition and what you can do to help manage the condition yourself.
If you have a shoulder injury or a pain that just isn’t going away, consider calling a physical therapist for help. We can help you feel better and get back to the things you love.
