Shoulder pain is a universal problem that affects 18% to 26 percent of adults. Shoulder injuries and other common shoulder ailments are both uncomfortable, mobility-impairing conditions which we should all strive never have happen again in our lives!
But, alas, many of us will, unfortunately, experience some form of shoulder pain at some point. So the question becomes: what are the best treatments for shoulder pain?
The first step in addressing this question is identifying the root cause of your shoulder pain.
Once you know what’s causing your pain, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that will likely involve a combination of different therapies. Some common causes of shoulder pain include:
Rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder
Dislocated shoulder
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, bursitis, and tendonitis are all common causes of shoulder pain. Depending on the specific condition, different therapies may be recommended.
For example, rotator cuff tears often require surgery to repair the damage. However, physical therapy can also be helpful in restoring range of motion and strength to the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. Physical therapy is the primary treatment for frozen shoulder and may involve stretching and range of motion exercises.
A dislocated shoulder is a condition in which the ball of the upper arm bone pops out of the socket. Dislocated shoulders often require surgery to repair the damage. However, physical therapy can also be helpful in restoring range of motion and strength to the shoulder.
Bursitis is a condition in which the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint become inflamed. Treatment for bursitis typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Tendonitis is a condition in which the tendons around the shoulder joint become inflamed. Treatment for tendonitis typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy.
The best treatment for shoulder pain depends on the specific condition causing the pain. However, physical therapy is often an essential part of the treatment plan for many common shoulder conditions. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options.
How Physical Therapy Can Help With Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Injuries
Physical therapy can help treat shoulder pain and injuries in a number of ways. First, physical therapists can help you identify the root cause of your pain.
Once the cause of your pain is identified, your physical therapist can develop a treatment plan to address it. Physical therapy treatments for shoulder pain may include:
Range of motion exercises: These exercises help to restore movement to the shoulder joint.
Strengthening exercises: These exercises help to build up the muscles around the shoulder joint and promote proper alignment.
Manual therapy: This type of therapy involves the physical therapist using their hands to manipulate the soft tissues around the shoulder joint.
Ultrasound: This therapy uses sound waves to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Ice: Ice can help to reduce swelling and pain.
Heat: Heat can help to loosen tight muscles and promote blood flow to the area.
Joint mobilization: Another type of therapy in which the physical therapist’s help is necessary, joint mobilization aims to increase the injured shoulder’s mobility by stretching the joint capsule. Because it requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, it’s only performed by a trained, professional physical therapist.
Ultrasound: A therapeutic ultrasound — not to be confused with a diagnostic ultrasound — is a type of physical therapy for shoulder pain in which the muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue are treated with a session of deep heating. The heat improves the circulation in the tissue, which both alleviates pain and assists in healing the injury. Therapeutic ultrasounds also help increase the elasticity of muscles, especially in cases of frozen shoulder, in order to allow the muscles to stretch more easily and, thus, increase the range of mobility.
Electrical stimulation: One way to strengthen the muscles of the injured shoulder is to stimulate the nerves. Sometimes, it’s used to contract muscles or reduce inflammation, but it can also be used as a way to administer medication.
Athletic taping: Your physical therapist may opt to use athletic tape as part of your shoulder physical therapy in conjunction with other methods of therapy, such as exercises.
Kinesiology taping: While athletic taping aims to limit movement, kinesiology taping encourages movement in a safe and secure way while increasing circulation. Depending on the type of shoulder injury you’re suffering, the physical therapist may use one of these taping methods or neither.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option. Be sure to talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy is right for you.
Which Therapy Is Best for Shoulder Pain?
Rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, bursitis, and tendonitis are all common causes of shoulder pain. Depending on the specific condition, different therapies may be recommended.
For example, rotator cuff tears often require surgery to repair the damage. However, physical therapy can also be helpful in restoring range of motion and strength to the shoulder.
When to Seek Medical Care
Shoulder pain is often manageable at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, there are some cases when you should see a doctor for shoulder pain.
If the pain is severe
If the pain is not improving with home care
If you have any numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
If you have weakness in your arm or hand
If you have a fever
If the pain is accompanied by swelling
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor for shoulder pain.