Shoulder pain is quite common. This pain affects daily life and can impact reaching, lifting, or carrying objects. If you experience shoulder pain, you should know how to treat it. The best treatment for shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause.
This article explores the common causes of shoulder pain and its treatment. We also explore how treatment at Barkman & Smith Physical Therapy can help. Kindly read along.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can result from overuse or underlying conditions. The common causes of shoulder pain include;
Dislocation
This occurs when the shoulder joint pops out of its socket. Dislocation can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising. You may get a dislocation in your shoulder if you experience a fall, blow, or twist in your arm.
Shoulder pain therapy in Fort Worth, TX, will try to treat a dislocation through a reduction. This technique requires gentle maneuvers to shift the joint into its socket. Your doctor will then place your arm in a brace or sling to allow your ligaments to heal.
Separation
If your shoulder ligament tears, you have a separation in your shoulder. Separation can cause pain and swelling. You may also experience a bump on the top of your shoulder. A direct hit, collision, or fall on the shoulder can cause a separation.
Fracture
A fracture is a break or crack in your shoulder. This condition can cause intense pain and difficulty when moving your arm. Car accidents, direct blows, and falls can cause a fracture in your shoulder.
Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your shoulder joint wears away. This causes your bones to rub against each other, causing pain. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness and reduce your range of motion.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Treating shoulder pain starts with immobilizing the shoulder in a sling or brace. This allows your shoulder to rest and recover. Other treatment methods for shoulder pain include:
Ice Therapy
You can apply ice to your shoulder to reduce swelling and inflammation. When doing ice therapy, wrap ice packs in a towel. Do not apply the ice pack directly to your shoulder. Also, apply the ice to your shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes.
Medications
Pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication for you depending on the severity of your pain.
Injections
Your doctor may inject medications like corticosteroids into your shoulder joint. These drugs reduce your pain and speed up your recovery. Usually, your doctor will prescribe injections when your symptoms are severe.
Surgery
Surgery is used to treat shoulder pain if the underlying cause is severe. You might also undergo a procedure if other treatments do not relieve your pain. Your doctor might remove a damaged cartilage or replace your joint with an artificial one during surgery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can strengthen your shoulder muscles and improve your range of motion. This treatment includes techniques consisting of stretches, exercises, and hands-on treatment. Physical Therapy Fort Worth focuses on creating a tailored treatment plan to help you recover faster.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy for shoulder pain offers several benefits, including;
- Reducing inflammation and pain. Physical therapy modalities can improve blood flow, relax muscles, and stimulate healing.
- Restoring range of motion and flexibility. Physical therapy stretches, and joint mobilization techniques can loosen tight muscles and ligaments around your shoulder.
- Strengthening muscles and stabilizing the joint. Physical therapy can target the muscles that support your shoulder to improve your posture and balance.
- Educating and advising you on preventing or managing shoulder pain. Your physical therapist can teach you how to modify your lifestyle and use proper ergonomics to reduce shoulder pain.
Physical Therapy Techniques For Treating Shoulder Pain
The appropriate physical therapy technique for your shoulder pain will depend on the cause and severity of your pain. Some of the common physical therapy techniques for treating shoulder pain include;
Stretching Exercises
These exercises involve gently moving your shoulder through its full range of motion. This helps you improve the flexibility and elasticity of your shoulder muscles. Stretching also relieves tension in your shoulders.
Examples of stretching exercises for shoulder pain are arm-across-chest stretch, neck release, and chest expansion.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises use resistance to increase the strength and endurance of your shoulder muscles. These exercises can also improve your posture and balance. They also prevent further injury or the recurrence of shoulder pain.
Examples of strengthening exercises include external band rotation, internal band rotation, lateral raises, and standing upright rows.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization involves applying gentle pressure to your shoulder to improve mobility. This technique reduces stiffness, inflammation, and pain.
External torso rotation, internal torso rotation, and shoulder circles are joint mobilization exercises.
Manual Therapy
Your physical therapist will use manual therapy to massage and mobilize the soft tissues of your shoulder. This technique improves blood flow and stimulates healing.
Manual therapy techniques include soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.
Modalities
Physical therapy modalities can reduce shoulder pain, swelling, and inflammation. This technique involves using various devices to apply heat, cold, or electricity to treat shoulder pain.
These modalities include heat therapy, ice therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and dry needling.
Conclusion
Stretching and strengthening exercises, joint mobilization, manual therapy, and modalities are common treatments for shoulder pain. The best treatment for your pain depends on its cause and severity.
Professionals at Barkman & Smith Physical Therapy, Forth Worth, TX will assess your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. If you experience a fall, blow, or accident, you should visit your physical therapist for an assessment.