Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is a highly mobile ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). It is the body’s most movable joint, allowing us a wide range of motion that enables us to reach overhead, across our body, behind our back, and away from the body.

The shoulder also relies on mobility from our collar bone (clavicle), the scapula moving on our rib cage, the neck (cervical spine), and the upper to mid back (thoracic spine). The actual shoulder joint is reinforced by the labrum, which is a cartilage rim that deepens the socket, and the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help to stabilize the joint.

Common Shoulder Injuries Include:

• Labral tears
• Rotator cuff tendinitis or tears
• Shoulder subluxation or dislocation
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Osteoarthritis
• Shoulder impingement
• Humerus fractures
• Acromioclavicular joint separations

Physical therapy is used for patients experiencing shoulder pain, with a comprehensive assessment performed at the first visit to determine the nature of the condition and what functional limitations are present.

Treatment is individualized based on the injury and the patient’s goals. It will typically include manual therapy, mobility and stretching exercises, stabilization exercises for the rotator cuff and scapula, modalities as needed and eventual strengthening and return to prior activity level.

Physical therapy is often used for patients who have recently had shoulder surgery as well, to restore range of motion and strength. Common shoulder surgeries include labral repairs, rotator cuff repairs, bicep tendon repairs and total shoulder replacements. Your surgeon will often include a protocol guiding the rehabilitation process.

Contact us today if you have questions regarding how physical therapy can help relieve your shoulder pain!