Best Physical Therapy exercises for Treating Shoulder Pain

Many millions of people dealing with shoulder pain will see a physical therapist at some point in their journey toward shoulder pain relief.

Get the most out of your physical therapy | News | UW Health

The main aim of physical therapy is to upgrade your daily quality of life by reducing your pain and raising your strength and mobility. If you have pain or difficulty reaching for something on a high shelf, getting dressed, tucking in a shirt, or going into your back pocket, or have been avoiding some of these activities due to pain, stiffness, or weakness, it is likely that physical therapy can help. 

Shoulder pain causes and risk factor 

Common shoulder injuries: 

  • Dislocation: If your shoulder is pulled back too hard or rotated too far, the top of your arm might extend out of its socket. You will feel pain and weakness in your shoulder. You may also have swelling and numbness. 
  • Separation: This injury affects the joint where your collarbone and shoulder blade come together. It’s called the acromioclavicular joint. If your collarbone gets pushed out of place, you will have a collided top of your shoulder.
  • Fracture: A bone can crack if you fall or take a hard hit. The most common breaks are clavicle and humerus. If your collarbone is broken, you might not be able to lift your arm. 
  • Cartilage tear: You can injure the cartilage that goes around the rim of your shoulder joint. It can happen after making the same motion over and over. You can also hurt it in a fall, or anytime your shoulder absorbs a lot of force. 
  • Rotator cuff tear: Your rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that hold your arm in place and let you lift your arm overhead. You can damage it through overuse or fall. Your shoulder may hurt at night, and you may try to steal things. 
  • Frozen shoulder: This condition restricts how much your joint will move. Abnormal bands of tissue build up in the joint and keep your shoulder from moving freely. Your shoulder might “freeze” because pain or surgery has made you use it less, allowing the adhesions to build up. 
  • Impingement: This happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff get pet pinched in the bones of the shoulder. It can cause swelling and pain. It can set off if you lift your arms over your head. 
  • Bursitis: The bursa can get swollen and irritated if you repeat the same motions repeatedly. But it can also be caused by a fall or another injury. You may notice the pain most when you move your shoulder if you have bursitis. 
Other causes of shoulder pain: 
  • Osteoarthritis: Also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It can affect any joint, including your shoulders. The cartilage between bones breaks down, and they rub together. 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: This disease causes your body’s immune system to attack the protective lining in your joints. It can also cause pain and stiffness in your shoulder. 
  • Heart attack: If your shoulder hurts and you have trouble breathing or your chest feels tight, you might need emergency medical help immediately.  

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

If your doctor recommends physical therapy, your therapist will examine your strength and range of motion, check your functional abilities, ask you about your goals and then come up with a personalized physical therapy for shoulder pain and restore your mobility. 

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain - Desert Edge Physical Therapy

Therapy treatments for shoulder pain may include stretching, strengthening, and joint mobilization. Heat, ice, ultrasound, or athletic taping may also be part of your physical therapy program. 

Your physical therapist can also provide advice on activity modification and workplace ergonomics. Your physical therapists will also work with you to create a comprehensive home physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain to help you maintain your quality of life beyond your therapy sessions. 

When can shoulder pain patients benefit from physical therapy? 

Depending on the extent of your shoulder pain and your unique medical history, physical therapy may be a very effective non-surgical treatment. For issues like shoulder impingement, small rotator cuff tears, and mild to moderate osteoarthritis, studies have shown that physical therapy can improve your quality of life and, in some cases, prevent surgical intervention. 

However, suppose you and your doctor decide that surgery is the best option for you. In that case, physical therapy can still be an essential part of your road to recovery both before and after surgery. Your physician may choose to send you to physical therapy before surgery for a variety of reasons. 

After any shoulder surgery, whether it is an arthroscopic procedure, a rotator cuff repair, or a partial or total joint replacement, you may be referred to a physical therapist for a short duration to help you regain your strength and flexibility, advance your home exercise program and get back to your daily activities.

How do I get started with physical therapy for Shoulder Pain? 

Almost all insurance plans cover outpatient physical therapy, but you should check with your insurance provider to be sure your does. In addition, you will need a prescription from a physician. This can be your primary care provider, a physical medicine, a rehabilitation doctor, or an orthopedic surgeon. 

Physical therapy clinic closest to you and call for an appointment. We’d love to play a role in helping you overcome shoulder pain and get back to doing what you love.