Shoulder pain can take many forms. It can rear its ugly head when you’re reaching toward the top shelf to put dishes away or when you’re struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Sometimes you just can’t get through a day without feeling a dull aching pain in your shoulder and neck. At Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, we want you back to living life’s most meaningful endeavors. That’s why our experienced therapists treat a variety of conditions.
Based on your situation, symptoms and goals, we can create a customizable treatment plan just for you.
The importance of our shoulders
You use your shoulder for many tasks. It can perform tons of physical feats and has the greatest range of motion of all the joints in your body. However, with its complexities also comes the possibility of pain and discomfort.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, meaning the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits in the corresponding space in the shoulder blade or scapula. The ends of the bones are protected by cartilage, which prevents them from rubbing together.
Fluid-filled sacs called bursae also protect the tendons from rubbing against the bones. Tendons attach the bones in the shoulder to a set of muscles, known as the rotator cuff. If something goes wrong with the mechanical interplay of the shoulder, pain can result.
The type of pain you feel can vary, depending on the cause. Pain from impingement typically occurs as you raise your arm. Pain from a degenerated shoulder may create persistent aches with certain movements. Acute injuries can result in sudden, intense pain that may make it impossible to move your shoulder.
Common shoulder conditions we treat
Rotator cuff tears
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) recommend physical therapy as a first-line treatment for many non-traumatic rotator cuff tears, emphasizing that conservative care can be highly effective in improving function, reducing pain, and supporting recovery.
Depending on the severity and situation, surgery may be needed, but often the right physical therapy can reduce pain and restore strength. If surgery is required, physical therapy is an integral part of post-surgical rehabilitation.
Those who experience rotator cuff injuries or torn shoulders generally report a dull ache, arm weakness, difficulty reaching behind their back and sleep disturbance. Our natural, non-invasive methods can help relieve your shoulder pain and restore function.
Tendonitis
Tendinitis occurs when the shoulder joint is overused, often due to work, sports or poor posture. This inflammation can cause swelling and pain when raising your arm.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder results in painful stiffness and limited motion. It can occur after immobilization in a cast, sling or prolonged inactivity. Women aged 40 to 60 are more likely to be affected.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Impingement typically occurs due to abnormal movement of the humeral head when lifting the arm overhead. Pain usually appears when lifting at or above 90 degrees.
Shoulder Arthritis
The two main forms of arthritis that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (immune system attacks).
Both can cause pain, weakness and limited motion.
Causes of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Arthritis
Symptoms of shoulder issues
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Weakness
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Swelling or inflammation
- Clicking or popping sounds
Treatment options
Physical therapy can help alleviate shoulder pain and restore the proper range of motion.
Treatment options may include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
Physical therapists will design an exercise program that targets the specific muscles and tendons affected by the pain. - Manual therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization and stretching to improve joint mobility. - Cold and heat therapy
Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. - Electrotherapy
This type of therapy uses electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and improve muscle function. - Ultrasound therapy
This type of therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
Shoulder pain can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right treatment plan, it can be managed effectively. Physical therapy offers a safe, effective way to relieve shoulder pain, restore function and improve the overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, seek medical attention and work with a physical therapist to create a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
What to expect with physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain
Our physical therapists are movement experts, trained to pinpoint the cause of your pain through a variety of diagnostic techniques.
During your evaluation, we will examine range of motion, strength, coordination, joint mobility and mechanics. Physical therapy is a natural, non-invasive way to find relief for shoulder pain without harmful drugs or surgery.
Once the cause is identified, your therapist creates a specialized plan, which may include:
- Gentle manual therapy to help restore normal joint movement, ease soft tissue restrictions and promote circulation.
- Therapeutic exercises to restore strength and the correct sequence of muscle activation
- Training to prevent reinjury
Start your shoulder recovery
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to control your life. Our physical therapy clinics in Utah, Idaho and Montana can help you start living with less pain.
Contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners to find a location near you, request an appointment and begin your path toward recovery.