Three signs you need shoulder pain physical therapy in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have recently developed shoulder pain in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 34% of Americans are currently living with some form of shoulder pain. 

Dealing with shoulder pain effectively could be as simple as taking some aspirin. However, there are some situations where physical therapy might be necessary for your shoulder pain. But, how will you know if your pain needs physical therapy? 

Three signs that shoulder pain physical therapy is necessary

Physical therapists can help you reduce pain in your shoulder, and they can help improve its range of motion as well. These specialists can also help you improve your ability to do normal daily activities. Unfortunately, they can’t help you get such benefits if you don’t come to see them. Here are three signs that you should be heading to a physical therapist for shoulder pain:

1. Your shoulder range of motion is significantly worse — Range of motion (ROM) is the movement potential that your joints have. Issues like rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingements can decrease the ROM in the shoulder. Fortunately, studies show that physical therapy is up to 80% effective in treating the symptoms of rotator cuff tears. 

2. You feel pain during certain movements — The issues causing your shoulder pain can also make certain arm movements painful. For instance, rotator cuff tears can make it difficult to lift your arm over your head without pain. This condition can cause pain when you rotate your arm as well (AAOS, 2019). Research done in seven manual therapy studies shows that this technique reduces shoulder pain (NIH, 2009). 

3. You have difficulty doing normal daily activities — There are many normal daily activities that can become more difficult when you have shoulder pain. Lifting your arm to put on a shirt is one example. Combing your hair could become painful. You might also experience pain when reaching for objects above your head. A type of manual therapy called joint mobilization can help make such activities less painful. In fact, one study reports that this treatment method decreased pain in patients with shoulder impingements. 

Find effective shoulder pain treatment at Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids

Our team at Advent Physical Therapy is proud to have a clinic in Grand Rapids. We offer treatment options for many issues here, including shoulder pain. We’ll start your treatment by having you come in for a free screening of your pain. Then our team will use the screening results to create a personalized treatment plan for you, and your plan could include many beneficial therapy techniques. 

Contact our team today for more shoulder pain treatment information or to schedule your free screening.