Pain, weakness or dysfunction of one or both shoulders, possibly including the neck and arm.

 

Common symptoms can include:

– Trouble reaching up, out, overhead, or behind you

– Catching or pinching sensations

– Pain or throbbing at rest

– Trouble sleeping

– Paresthesia (tingling, burning, numbness) in the arm or hand

– Sensations of cracking or clicking with movement

– Weakness or inability to hold things like before

– General stiffness or loss of motion

– Swelling or tenderness to touch

 

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and one of the most used. The shoulder’s function also relies on the health and function of the neck, shoulder blade, posture, and rib mobility in addition to the obvious – rotator cuff health.

 

Common causes of shoulder problems include:

– Rotator cuff strains and tears

– Tendinitis and tendinosis

– Impingement syndrome

– Sprains (such as “shoulder separation” or capsular sprain)

– Arthritis

– Pinched nerves (neck, thoracic outlet, brachial plexus, etc.)

– Bursitis

– Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

– Scar tissue from past injuries or surgeries

– Labrum issues

– And many more…

 

Physical therapy can help with all of these things and more. *Even if you have been told you have a rotator cuff tear or “bone on bone arthritis,” been told you need surgery or have had surgery in the past. * Nearly anyone can expect to see at least partial improvement.

 

Most patients are surprised to learn just how much pain free function they can regain with conservative treatment, even returning to sports and heavy labor. Physical therapy may help you avoid surgery, injections, additional medications, and other more invasive procedures. Even if more invasive means eventually become necessary, physical therapy prior to those interventions often improves the outcome.

 

Physical therapy treatment may include:

Therapists are trained unlike any other profession with knowledge and skills to specifically identify damaged or malfunctioning structures, how to help them heal naturally where able, and how to help the body accommodate and adapt where necessary.

 

Shoulder interesting facts:

– even if one muscle of the rotator cuff is completely torn, the remaining in tact muscles can often “pick up the slack” and allow full function again.

– Subacromial arthritis exists in many people for years without causing trouble.

 

The longer you wait, the more complex a problem can become. Call us  or book your appointment online  today! The sooner the better. Remember, you DO NOT need a referral from any other doctors AND your insurance will still be accepted just the same as at any other medical appointment. Don’t delay, see us about naturally encouraging your body to heal itself without drugs, injections, or surgeries you may not need.