For a FREE PT assessment schedule a phone call with Dr. Spooner at (360) 860-3100 (WA), or (619) 363-2227 (CA)
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Rotator cuff injury: This is a common cause of shoulder pain and is often the result of repetitive overhead motions or aging. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, and difficulty moving the arm.
Frozen shoulder: This condition, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move. It may be caused by injury, surgery, or certain medical conditions.
Shoulder bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. If these sacs become inflamed, it can cause pain and limited movement in the shoulder.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the shoulder joint and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can cause pain and difficulty moving the arm. It may be caused by repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Medical treatment may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.
For a FREE PT assessment schedule a phone call with Dr. Spooner at (360) 860-3100 (WA), or (619) 363-2227 (CA)
In addition to the conditions I mentioned earlier, there are several other conditions that can cause shoulder pain, including:
Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder are compressed, causing pain and limited mobility.
Shoulder instability: This is a condition where the shoulder joint is unstable, often due to injury or repetitive strain. It can cause pain, weakness, and a feeling of the shoulder "slipping" out of place.
Torn rotator cuff: A tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder.
Labral tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. A tear in the labrum can cause pain, instability, and a feeling of the shoulder "catching" or "popping" during certain movements.
Biceps tendonitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly when lifting or reaching overhead.
Again, if you are experiencing shoulder pain or any related symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
For a FREE PT assessment schedule a phone call with Dr. Spooner at (360) 860-3100 (WA), or (619) 363-2227 (CA)
How can you self treat shoulder pain?
While some mild cases of shoulder pain may improve on their own with rest and self-care, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the pain and the most appropriate treatment plan. Self-treating shoulder pain without proper diagnosis and treatment can potentially lead to further injury or complications.
That being said,
There are some self-care measures that may help alleviate mild shoulder pain, including:
Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, and try to rest the affected shoulder as much as possible.
Ice: Applying ice to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Heat: Applying heat to the shoulder, such as with a heating pad or warm towel, can help improve blood flow and promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Once the pain begins to subside, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and prevent further injury. However, it's important to work with a physical therapist or healthcare professional to ensure that you are performing these exercises safely and effectively.
Remember, self-treatment is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and if your shoulder pain persists or worsens, it's important to seek medical attention.
What to expect from physical therapy?
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for many types of shoulder pain. A physical therapist can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include a variety of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques to help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder joint. Here are some of the ways that physical therapy can help heal shoulder pain:
Reducing pain and inflammation: A physical therapist can use a variety of techniques, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, to help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
Improving range of motion: A physical therapist can work with you to develop a stretching program that can help improve the range of motion in your shoulder joint, making it easier to perform daily activities.
Strengthening the shoulder muscles: A physical therapist can design an exercise program to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, which can help improve stability and reduce the risk of future injury.
Correcting posture and body mechanics: Poor posture and body mechanics can contribute to shoulder pain. A physical therapist can help you identify and correct any postural or biomechanical issues that may be contributing to your shoulder pain.
Preparing for surgery: If surgery is necessary, physical therapy can help prepare the shoulder joint for surgery, and can also help with postoperative rehabilitation to help restore range of motion, strength, and function.
Overall, physical therapy can be an effective and non-invasive treatment option for many types of shoulder pain, and can help improve your overall quality of life.