Shoulder Pain Relief
The shoulder has the most range of motion of all our joints, so it’s not surprising that shoulder pain and injuries are both common and incredibly uncomfortable. If you are part of the 26% of adults that deal with such pain don't worry, you've come to the right place! Our therapists have seen hundreds of patients with your ailments and can guarantee that you will see an improvement by the end of your treatment plan. Schedule your initial evaluation at our Lilburn, GA location today!
Common Reasons for Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Injury
Your rotator cuff's main job is to keep your shoulder stable. Sometimes, the rotator cuff becomes inflamed or irritated due to heavy lifting, repetitive arm movements, or trauma from something like a fall. A rotator cuff tear occurs when injuries to the muscles or tendons cause tissue damage or disruption. If you have a rotator cuff tear you may experience pain over the top of your shoulder or along the outside of your arm, shoulder weakness loss of shoulder movement ability, or weakness in your arms.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulders occur due to scar tissue that has stiffened up, causing pain and limiting movement. This condition can be broken into three stages.
The Freezing Stage
Your shoulder becomes stiff and is growing increasingly painful to move. It may feel worse at night. This stage lasts 6 weeks to 9 months.
The Frozen Stage
Pain may lessen, but your shoulder will stay stiff. This makes it more difficult to complete daily tasks and activities. This stage lasts 2 to 6 months.
The Thawing Stage (Recovery)
Pain lessens, and your ability to move the shoulder slowly improves. Normal strength and motion return. The stage lasts 6 months to 2 years.​
Shoulder Labrum Tear
If you feel pain over the top of your shoulder, a popping/clunking with your shoulder movement, or have weakness primarily on one side you may have a labrum tear. If the labrum is torn, it is harder for the humerus to stay in the socket. The end result is that the shoulder joint becomes unstable and prone to injury.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Shoulder Pain
While there is no one-stop solution for shoulder pain, there are many exercises that can be done to help strengthen the rotator cuff region and ease the pain you are experiencing. Our overall goal is to restore your movement, so you can perform your daily activities. At your initial evaluation, your Physical Therapist will assess your range of motion and functional abilities in order to create your specialized treatment plan.
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Your treatment plan may include joint stabilization, muscle strengthening, and stretching. Ultrasound, heat, ice, and electrical stimulation are also effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms while accelerating the healing process. Book your appointment today to get started on feeling great again!