Shoulder Pain Relief

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that up to 67 percent of people will experience at some time during their life. Just everyday pushing, reaching and pulling can take a toll on the shoulder. The shoulder is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Shoulder pain can also indicate a deeper injury. It’s always wise to contact a physical therapist if you have shoulder pain. A physical therapist can help identify which shoulder structures are causing the pain.

So, if you’re experiencing shoulder pain, contact a physical therapist at Advent Physical Therapy in the greater Grand Rapids and Kent County area of west Michigan.

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Here’s a list of shoulder injuries that can cause pain and impinge on your regular daily function.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that connect the arm bone to the shoulder blade. Its function is to keep the arm bone in the socket when using the arm. An injury to the rotator cuff can be due to excessive throwing, reaching or lifting. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are a pain over the top of the shoulder and weakness when moving the shoulder. A physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation in order to diagnose a rotator cuff injury. Most patients respond well to around six weeks of physical therapy for a rotator cuff injury. If you do need surgery for a rotator cuff injury, physical therapy has also been shown to help improve recovery.

Shoulder Dislocation

When the ball of the arm and the shoulder socket separate, there is a shoulder dislocation. Getting struck in a sporting activity or falling can cause this. There is immediate pain and difficulty moving the arm. There may also be numbness, discoloration or a cold feeling in the arm or hand with a shoulder dislocation. An X-ray will have to be taken to ensure that you don’t have a fracture. If there is no fracture, a healthcare professional can put the shoulder back in place. Physical therapy can help inflammation, provide shoulder pain relief, and improve range of motion. Typically, it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks to recover from a shoulder dislocation.

Frozen Shoulder: Understanding and Overcoming Adhesive Capsulitis

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, occurs when you experience pain and stiffness in your shoulder joint, making daily activities challenging. This condition often arises after prolonged immobility or surgery, leading to the tightening of the shoulder’s structures. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in overcoming frozen shoulder by implementing exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the area, aiming to alleviate discomfort and restore mobility. Engaging in a personalized physical therapy program offers supportive care tailored to your recovery needs, ensuring a gentle yet effective pathway towards regaining your shoulder’s full range of motion. Through dedicated and empathetic guidance, physical therapy not only promotes shoulder pain relief but also empowers you with long-term strategies to maintain shoulder health and prevent future issues.

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Shoulder Health as You Age: Understanding Replacement

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder is a prevalent issue for individuals over 50, often leading to the necessity of shoulder replacement surgery. The role of physical therapy post-surgery cannot be understated; it is a beacon of hope for those seeking to diminish their discomfort and reclaim their mobility. This therapeutic process is not merely clinical—it’s a partnership grounded in empathy and understanding, tailored to each individual’s pace of recovery. Through professional guidance, patients experience a significant easing of pain and a steady restoration of movement, gently ushering them back into their daily routines. This collaborative approach to recovery emphasizes well-being and progress, ensuring a smooth transition towards regaining quality of life.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Shoulder Pain Relief

A therapist will evaluate your functional abilities and range of motion in order to create a personalized treatment plan to restore mobility and relieve shoulder pain. Treatments may include joint stabilization, strengthening and stretching. Ultrasound, heat, ice and electrical stimulation may be part of the treatment also. These passive modalities of treatment are effective in reducing pain, reducing inflammation, lessening muscle spasms and accelerating the healing process. A physical therapist may also give advice on workplace ergonomics and activity modification.

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, be sure to contact us to learn how we can help you. Our physical therapists are experienced and knowledgeable. They’ve helped others with shoulder pain and can help you do. Our goal is to eliminate your shoulder pain and get you on the path to recovery so that you can resume your regular daily activities.

Request an appointment or call us today at any of our locations: Alpine, Byron Center, Caledonia, Cherry Street, Downtown Grand Rapids, East Kentwood Aquatic Center, East Paris, Hastings, Hudsonville, Jenison, Kentwood (44th Street), Knapp’s Corner, Rivertown, Rockford, Sparta, Standale and Zeeland.

We’ll get you on the road to good health.

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