Best Physical Therapy Methods for Treating Shoulder Pain and Injuries
Shoulder pain and injuries are common and can be caused by various factors such as overuse, trauma, or age-related wear and tear. Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat shoulder pain and injuries, as it helps to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and prevent further damage.
This blog post will discuss some of the best physical therapy methods for treating shoulder pain and injuries.
Manual Therapy:
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach that involves the manipulation of joints and soft tissues to improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and restore function. This therapy technique can treat shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulders, and impingement. Manual therapy techniques include joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and myofascial release.
Range of Motion Exercises:
Range of motion exercises is designed to improve shoulder mobility and flexibility. These exercises are typically prescribed after an injury or surgery to prevent stiffness and promote healing. Range of motion exercises may include arm swings, shoulder rolls, and wall walks.
Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening exercises are used to improve shoulder strength and stability. These exercises are typically prescribed after an injury or surgery to help restore function and prevent further damage. Strengthening exercises may include shoulder presses, lateral raises, and internal and external rotation exercises.
Posture Correction:
Poor posture can lead to shoulder pain and injuries. Physical therapists may recommend posture correction exercises to improve alignment and reduce shoulder strain. These exercises may include chin tucks, scapular retraction, and thoracic spine mobility.
Modalities:
Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or ice therapy can reduce pain and inflammation. These modalities can be used with other physical therapy techniques to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Functional Training:
Functional training is a type of physical therapy that focuses on activities of daily living. This therapy technique can improve shoulder function and prevent future injuries. Functional training exercises may include reaching, lifting, and carrying objects.
Education:
Physical therapists can educate patients about proper body mechanics and injury prevention. This education can help patients avoid injuries and improve their overall shoulder health.
Injuries That Cause Shoulder Pain Treatment
The first step in treating shoulder pain is to understand what is causing it. Shoulders can be injured by various activities, including relatively harmless ones like sitting at your desk at work. Shoulder injuries are classified into two types: sudden injuries and injuries born from overuse.Â
Sudden Injuries
Acute injuries, as they are also known, can occur from anything from tripping and landing on your shoulder to unnaturally twisting the shoulder. The following are examples of unexpected injuries:
1. Bruises
2. Tendon injuries, which connect the muscle to the bone
3. Injured ligaments, which aid in the stability of the shoulder joint
4. Nerve damage
5. Torn rotator cuff occurs when one of the four tendons that cover the shoulder joint is torn.
6. Muscle spasms
7. Bone fractures
8. Dislocation
You will likely notice bruising or swelling immediately after an acute shoulder injury. You may experience tingling or numbness if the injury results in a pinched nerve or a damaged blood vessel.
Overuse injuries
Overuse injuries are more severe than acute injuries because they develop gradually over time due to your daily activities. They are caused by excessive stress on the shoulder joint or surrounding tissue, and you may not even realize anything is wrong until you suddenly find yourself dealing with annoying shoulder pain. Overuse injuries can result in:
1. Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid sac that cushions and lubricates the shoulder joint.
2. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons.
3. Muscle tension.
4. Frozen shoulder, which “freezes” the range of motion in your shoulder.
5. Impingement syndrome occurs when overhead arm movements cause tendons to rub against a part of the shoulder blade, causing inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.
How Physical Therapy can help with shoulder pain and injuries?
Whether it’s rotator cuff tears or other injuries to the muscles surrounding the shoulder, physical therapy for shoulder pain is often a successful, non-surgical treatment. Its goal is to strengthen the muscles surrounding your shoulder to improve its function and mobility.
To treat your shoulder pain, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, who will examine your injury and determine the best course of treatment.
The treatment will be tailored to your specific needs to help you recover from your injury and regain your mobility. Your therapist may also advise modifying your daily activities to support your shoulders better and avoid re-injury.Â
You may also be given a personalized home exercise routine to help you maintain mobility after your therapy sessions.
In some cases, physical therapy can avoid surgery, which is especially beneficial for older adults who may not have as good of a surgical success rate.
According to studies, most patients find physical therapy for shoulder injuries adequate, though the length of recovery varies from person to person.
Even if surgery is unavoidable, physical therapy is an excellent way to prepare and strengthen the body before and after surgery.
shoulder pain treatment at home in Michigan
In conclusion, physical therapy is an effective way to treat shoulder pain and injuries. By incorporating manual therapy, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, posture correction, modalities, functional training, and education, physical therapists can help patients to improve their shoulder function and quality of life.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have suffered a shoulder injury, schedule an appointment with Back2health Physical Therapy Centre and consult our physical therapist to create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.
We proudly provide a relaxing and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease. Our team of experienced rehabilitation professionals will discuss your injury and any concerns you may have with you.Â
We’ll work with you to develop the best treatment plan possible, keeping your comfort and well-being in mind so you can return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
