Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy & TreatmentIn Louisville, Evansville & Southern Indiana
Shoulder pain is very common in people of all ages, and can be a very debilitating problem.
There are a wide variety of potential causes for shoulder pain, from dislocations and fractures, to impingement and rotator cuff tears. Sometimes shoulder injuries require surgery to repair the issue, but often physical therapy is an effective non-invasive option to decrease pain and return function. After surgery, a physical therapist is absolutely essential in order to improve and maintain mobility and to prevent recurring injuries.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Joint problems, muscle weakness or tears, labral tears, neck problems, and scapular incoordination can all cause shoulder pain. Severe rotator cuff tears, as an example, often require surgery to repair but a physical therapist is a critical part of post-operative recovery. Often conditions such as impingement or minor labral tears can be treated successfully with a physical therapist. Sometimes neck or back injuries may also cause shoulder pain, so it is important to be evaluated by a physical therapist to determine the underlying problem.
Stretches and Exercises for Shoulders
There are thousands of exercises and stretches for the shoulder, but your therapist will design a specific plan that will work best for you! Depending on your injury, your therapist may manually stretch your shoulder and mobilize the joint in order to increase your range of motion. You will also likely participate in strengthening exercises with the goal of improving the muscular stabilization of the shoulder to decrease pain and increase your ability to participate in activities. Our therapists also use a variety of techniques to decrease pain in your shoulder including electrical stimulation, manual therapy, ice and heat therapy, and ultrasound.
When to Seek Physical Therapy Treatment
If you are discouraged by consistent discomfort and are having difficulty performing your everyday tasks, it may be time to see a physical therapist for shoulder pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop goals and strategies to address your pain as efficiently as possible. If you are recovering from surgery, it is very important to participate in therapy as directed by your surgeon in order to reap the full benefits of the procedure. Contact us today, we look forward to helping you heal!
