4 PT techniques that can ease shoulder and elbow pain you developed at work

If you spend the majority of your workday bending, lifting, and carrying heavy loads, it’s no wonder that you may experience shoulder and elbow pain from time to time. These kinds of repetitive motion can place a lot of stress on your muscles, tendons, and joints, and may result in injury if left untreated. Your shoulders and elbows are at greater risk of injury, because they are some of the most frequently used joints in the body. This is especially true in the workplace.

What is causing my shoulder and elbow pain?

Many shoulder and elbow injuries come from events such as sports or car accidents. However, the shoulder and elbow can also become injured due to day-to day-use in the workplace. Some of the most common causes of shoulder and elbow pain include: 

• Repetitive motion injuries from activities like typing or moving objects.
• Overextensions triggered by falling onto your outstretched arms.
• Strains from heavy lifting. 

How can physical therapy help with my shoulder and elbow pain from work?

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in your shoulders or elbows, it is best to seek treatment before they become injured. A licensed physical therapist can help you prevent further injury and ease your shoulder and elbow pain. They do this using a number of tried and proven techniques, including:

1. Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization is a hands-on therapy treatment meant to help decrease pain and improve range of motion of the affected area. This technique can greatly help patients who are experiencing stiffness and lack of flexibility in their shoulder or elbow.

2. Muscle energy techniques — This is a form of manual therapy in which the muscles’ own energy is used to promote pain relief and reduce tension. This technique is useful when the cause of pain and stiffness are the muscles of the shoulder or elbow, rather than the joints.

3. Soft tissue mobilization — Soft tissue mobilization uses gentle stretching and pressure to break up scar tissue, ease tension and help to move fluids that may be trapped in the muscle tissue. This helps your physical therapist locate the source of muscle pain and work to ease your symptoms.

4. Ergonomic training — To help prevent further pain or injury at work, your physical therapist can assess your posture, body movements and workspace. They can help you address any issues that might put you at risk.

Advent Physical Therapy is ready to help address the causes of your shoulder and elbow pain, and work with you to ease your symptoms and prevent injury. Come by any one of our many clinics in the West Michigan area for a free screening with a licensed physical therapy specialist today.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.