Best Physical Therapy methods for treating shoulder pain
Shoulder pain and injuries are common problems that can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability to perform everyday activities.
Physical therapy is often recommended as a conservative treatment option for shoulder pain and injuries, and there are several effective methods that physical therapists use to help alleviate pain and improve function.Â
This blog post will discuss some of the best physical therapy methods for treating shoulder pain and injuries.
1. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
Range of motion exercises is designed to improve your shoulder joint’s mobility. Physical therapists may use various techniques such as passive range of motion exercises (where they move your arm for you), active range of motion exercises (where you move your arm on your own), and assisted range of motion exercises (where they help you move your arm).
2. Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening exercises are an essential component of any shoulder rehabilitation program. Physical therapists may use resistance bands, weights, or other equipment types to target specific shoulder complex muscles, including the rotator cuff muscles, deltoids, and scapular stabilizers.
3. Manual Therapy:
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that aim to mobilize or manipulate the soft tissues and joints in the shoulder complex. Some standard manual therapy techniques physical therapists use for shoulder pain and injuries include massage, trigger point release, joint mobilization, and myofascial release.
4. Modalities
Modalities are different physical agents or treatments that can be applied to the body to help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. Some common modalities in physical therapy for shoulder pain and injuries include ice or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser therapy.
5. Taping:
Taping is another technique physical therapists use to provide support and stability to the shoulder joint. Taping techniques such as kinesiology taping can help improve posture, reduce pain and swelling, and improve shoulder function.
6. Functional Training:
Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving the movement patterns and muscle activation patterns used in everyday activities. This type of training can be particularly beneficial for patients who need to return to work or sports activities after a shoulder injury.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy exercises can be an effective treatment option for shoulder pain. A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program based on each patient’s specific needs.
These exercises can help improve shoulder range of motion, strength, and stability, ultimately reducing pain and improving function.
1. Pendulum exercises
Pendulum exercises are gentle movements that can help improve the range of motion in the shoulder joint. To perform pendulum exercises, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lean forward, supporting yourself with your non-injured arm on a table or chair. Let your injured arm hang down and swing it back and forth, side to side, and in a circular motion.
2. Shoulder blade squeezes
Shoulder blade squeezes can help strengthen the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade. To perform shoulder blade squeezes, sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, hold for a few seconds, and release.
3. Wall angels
Wall angels can help improve shoulder mobility and posture. To perform wall angels, stand with your back against a wall and raise your arms to shoulder height, bending your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Slowly move your arms up and down, keeping your elbows and wrists in contact with the wall.
4. External rotation
External rotation exercises can help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. To perform external rotation exercises:
A. Lie on your side with your injured arm on top.
B. Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle and keep your elbow close to your side.
C. Rotate your arm outward, away from your body, and then return to the starting position.
5. Shoulder press-ups
Shoulder press-ups can help improve shoulder range of motion and strength. To perform shoulder press-ups, lie face down with your arms at your sides. Slowly lift your chest off the ground and lift your arms up and away from your body.
6. Scapular push-ups
Scapular push-ups can help improve scapular stability and shoulder blade control. To perform scapular push-ups, start in a push-up position with your arms straight. Keeping your arms straight, lower your shoulder blades down and together, and then push them back apart.
When to Start Shoulder Physical Therapy
Shoulder physical therapy is effective for many shoulder injuries and conditions, including rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement syndrome.
The timing of starting shoulder physical therapy depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment goals.
In general, it is recommended to start shoulder physical therapy as soon as possible after a shoulder injury or surgery. Early intervention with physical therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, prevent stiffness, and promote healing.
If you experience shoulder pain or discomfort lasting more than a few days, seeing a doctor or physical therapist for an evaluation is a good idea. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
In some cases, such as after shoulder surgery, physical therapy may begin immediately after the procedure. Your doctor or surgeon will determine the appropriate timing for physical therapy based on your individual needs and the type of surgery you had.
Before starting physical therapy, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, for less severe shoulder injuries or conditions.
However, if symptoms persist or worsen, physical therapy may be recommended. The timing of starting shoulder physical therapy depends on the specific injury or condition and the individual patient’s needs and goals.
It is essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience shoulder pain or discomfort that persists for over a few days. Early intervention with physical therapy can help improve outcomes and prevent further damage.
