What are the Exercises of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain?

What are the Exercises of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain Oct12th 2023

Shoulder pain is a common condition — influencing 18% to 26% of adults — but that doesn’t mean it’s ever convenient. The shoulder has the most range of motion of all our joints, so unsurprisingly, shoulder pain and injuries are ordinary and very irritating.

The shoulder joint consists of three main parts.

  • Humerus (the upper arm bone)
  • Clavicle (the collarbone)
  • Scapula (the shoulder blade)

These bones, held jointly by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, let us do day-to-day tasks effortlessly. Because it’s one of the most-used parts of the body, it’s at a higher risk for injury, so it’s essential to comprehend how to protect the shoulders and properly treat shoulder pain and injuries.

Common Injuries that Lead to Shoulder Pain Treatment

  • Bruises
  • Injured tendons
  • Injured ligaments
  • Injured Nerves
  • Strained Muscles
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocation
  • Irregular posture
  • Infection
  • Herniated disk

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Injuries

Whether it’s rotator cuff tears or other injuries to the muscles covering the shoulder, physical Therapy for shoulder pain is usually a prosperous, non-surgical treatment. It seeks to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder to enhance its function and mobility.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to deal with your shoulder pain, and the physical therapist will discuss your injury and specify the best course of treatment.

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Relying on the specifics of your injury, the shoulder therapy that your physical therapist will specify will likely include one or more of the following types of treatment:

  • Ice therapy: The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression Elevation) model encourages icing injured spots for acute injuries. Reducing inflammation and swelling can help alleviate pain.
  • Strengthening: Strengthening is another way of saying exercise since the physical therapist may recommend you practice specific strengthening physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain while also strengthening other muscles, like your core. The goal is to leave you more robust than before the injury to prevent its reoccurrence.
  • Heat therapy: Unlike ice therapy, which is used within the first hours of the injury, heat therapy is best used after 72 hours. Like ice therapy, it’s also a painkiller and relaxes muscles.
  • Stretching: Stretching is a common type of Therapy for shoulder pain since it’s designed to gently push your muscles further and further until you regain your range of motion. Depending on the injury, the physical therapist will likely incorporate varying stretches that may target the parts of the shoulder, neck, and spine.
  • Hands-on Therapy: Hands-on therapy involves manual techniques to improve shoulder mobility.

Exercises of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

These exercises may be included in the physical therapy regimen for shoulder pain. Still, they’re also a perfect way to ease any tightness or tension in your shoulder and potentially help prevent an injury.

As with any exercise, it’s essential to know your limits, not push yourself too hard, and risk another possible injury.

  • Across the Chest:

Bring one arm across your chest and keep it in place with your other hand. Release your arm and replicate with the opposite arm.

This is one of the most comfortable physical therapy shoulder exercises out there. It’s lovely to do while sitting at your desk, watching TV, or as part of your daily morning stretches. It’s created to help the shoulder joint and its muscles support or enhance flexibility and range of motion.

  • Pendulum:

With one hand resting on the back of a chair, let your other arm hang loosely and circle it a few times, clockwise and counter-clockwise. Then, release and recite on the opposite side. Doing this exercise a few times a day will help improve flexibility and is also excellent for warming up your joints before a workout.

  • Doorway Stretch:

Stand in any doorway with both elbows, constructing right angles. Step one foot forward while pressing your palms into the door and lean forward slightly, using your core muscles to remain steady. Repeat the move with the other foot and meet a handful of repetitions to let your chest and shoulders stretch and strengthen.

  • Downward Dog:

Better known as a famous yoga pose, Downward Dog is excellent for stretching and strengthening your shoulders and back muscles. Assume a tabletop position with your hands on the mat, then use them to lift your hips. Keep your knees a little bent if you need and spread your weight among your palms and feet. Your spine should be straight, with your head pulled towards your feet, letting your shoulders and back stretch above your head accurately.

Final Words

Physical Therapy is a highly effective and comprehensive approach to relieving shoulder pain. This multifaceted approach alleviates discomfort and restores the affected shoulder’s strength, flexibility, and functionality.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of physical Therapy empowers patients to participate in their recovery process actively. The emphasis on education and empowerment sets physical Therapy apart as a holistic solution for individuals seeking sustainable and long-term shoulder pain relief. 

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