Shoulder pain is a common condition that the majority of Americans will have to deal with during their lives. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that has greater freedom of movement than almost any other joint in the body. Because of this, stability is sacrificed for range of motion and shoulder injuries are more likely. Advent Physical Therapy in Caledonia, Michigan, looks at a few common shoulder ailments and treatment options.
Shoulder tendonitis and bursitis
Shoulder tendonitis and bursitis are overuse injuries caused by inflammation in the connective tendons or cushioning bursa sac. Athletes with repetitive swinging or throwing motions such as swimmers, tennis or baseball players are especially likely to suffer this type of injury. Workers who lift heavy objects during the day can also be affected by tendonitis.
Shoulder pain treatment for tendonitis and bursitis is centered around reducing inflammation in the joint. This may be accomplished with manual therapy to ease tension in the shoulder. In addition, ultrasound therapy can be used by the physical therapist to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Shoulder dislocation
If the upper arm is separated from the shoulder socket from a fall or sharp blow, it can result in a dislocation. While the shoulder can be put back in place quickly, it takes several weeks for the pain and swelling to subside.
Physical therapy works to restore function after a dislocation. Shoulder pain treatment is likely to include range-of-motion exercises and strength building. Increasing muscle mass in the shoulder can help support and stabilize the joint to reduce the chance of future injury.
Shoulder replacement
As we age, the protective cartilage can wear away due to everyday use. This can cause bones to start rubbing against each other. In severe cases, a complete shoulder replacement is the only way to relieve the pain. Physical therapy can help patients regain use of their surgically repaired shoulder.
Scheduling shoulder treatment with Advent Physical Therapy
The therapists of Advent Physical Therapy want to help you recover from your shoulder injury. If you are in the Caledonia area, contact us today to set up your initial appointment and discuss your shoulder pain treatment options.