Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Relief at Bay State Physical Therapy

Do you suffer from shoulder pain? You’re not alone! Each year, nearly 7.5 million people visit a doctor for shoulder problems. Whether due to a sports injury, work-related accident, or no known cause, shoulder pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. So, instead of ignoring your pain and hoping it gets better on its own, ask your medical provider for a referral to physical therapy, then call Bay State Physical Therapy to schedule an evaluation.

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At Bay State Physical Therapy, we understand how important your time is and that returning to your optimal function is your top priority. Our physical therapists take the time to create a personalized care plan based on your medical history, what causes you pain and difficulty, and with your goals in mind, tailor care specifically for you. Working together with you and your medical care team, we are committed to empowering your optimal health by treating the whole person, not just your shoulder pain.

Physical therapy takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Through hands-on care prescribed specifically around your needs, our team at Bay State Physical Therapy will focus on providing:

  • Services to deliver pain relief.
  • Strengthening and mobility to improve shoulder function.
  • Education to equip you with the tools necessary to maintain optimal shoulder health once discharged from our care.

Remember, shoulder pain does not have to dictate your life. Take an active role in your health by choosing physical therapy and experiencing the difference it can make.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex joint, so it’s no wonder there are many causes of shoulder pain. In fact, millions of people between the ages of 30 and 55 experience shoulder injuries, often caused by various activities, occupations, and sports.

  • Daily chores like lifting young children, lawn care and gardening, carrying heavy shopping bags or laundry baskets, and even extended hours at the computer can cause repetitive stress and overuse injuries to your shoulder joints.
  • Occupations involving repetitive arm movements, such as construction work or professional painting, are also known to contribute to shoulder strain.
  • Athletic and recreational activities such as tennis, swimming, and weightlifting can stress your shoulders significantly, causing various injuries.

But here’s the good news: At Bay State Physical Therapy, we are committed to getting to the root cause of your shoulder pain and putting you on the road to health and wellness!

Common Shoulder Injuries Physical Therapists Treat

Based on the nature of your injury, physical therapy can help you regain strength, mobility, and function. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • ArthritisArthritis is an inflammation of the joints usually caused by ongoing wear and tear.
  • Bursitis and Tendinitis– Bursas are tiny sacs filled with fluid found in joints. Excessive use of the shoulder can lead to inflammation of the bursa between the rotator cuff and your shoulder blade. Tendons are cords that connect muscle to bone. Although injury can result from an accident, tendinitis is considered an overuse injury.
  • Dislocation– Occurs when the head of the upper arm bone comes partially or entirely out of the shoulder socket.
  • Fracture– A shoulder fracture can refer to a break in the scapula, clavicle, or top of the humerus.
  • Frozen Shoulder– Otherwise known as “adhesive capsulitis,” is a painful shoulder joint dysfunction associated with trauma, repetitive injury, and a minimal range of motion in the shoulder.
  • Pre- and Post-Surgical Care- Prepping for surgery and rehabilitation after your procedure is critical. Working together with your surgeon, your physical therapist will help to ensure the best possible outcomes for long-term shoulder success.
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries– The rotator cuff is a group of small muscles and tendons surrounding the ball and socket-type shoulder joint. The rotator cuff keeps the head of the humerus firmly in place within the shoulder’s shallow socket.
  • Sprains and Strains– With many muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint, sprains and strains are common injuries resulting from sports injuries and work-related duties.

Our dedicated team of musculoskeletal experts works hand-in-hand with you, striving to restore your maximal function while providing you the tools and education you need to maintain your shoulder function. Our patient-focused care is tailored to your unique needs, helping you return to doing what you love. Remember, we are a member of your healthcare team, and you are the center of your care.

What to Expect at Your Physical Therapy Visits

Your journey towards improved function and well-being begins with a comprehensive evaluation conducted by our experienced physical therapists. This evaluation starts with thoroughly reviewing your medical history, allowing us to understand your unique needs and any previous conditions or injuries.

Next, our hands-on assessment involves a detailed examination of your physical condition. Through this process, we can identify weakness, range of motion deficits, or pain that may affect your overall function. This thorough evaluation allows us to clearly understand your current abilities and limitations.

From there, your physical therapist will design a comprehensive treatment plan just for you! Some of the services and treatments that may be included are:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on care is crucial during the early stages of your care. Common services may include therapeutic massage, gentle joint mobilization, cupping, dry needling, or instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM).

Through hands-on techniques, your physical therapists will deliver pain relief and improved joint mobility.

Therapeutic Exercises

Improving your strength and mobility is crucial for your long-term wellness and ability to prevent the recurrence of your injury. Your physical therapist will guide you through therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and enhance stability. These exercises will change throughout your care based on your progress and improvements, so sticking with care even after your shoulder pain is resolved is crucial.

Functional Training

During your physical therapy care, training will also include functional movements and activities that mimic your daily life. This helps improve your shoulder’s strength, stability, and coordination, allowing you to regain your ability to perform everyday tasks without discomfort.

Schedule Your Physical Therapy Today

At Bay State Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you get back to doing the things you love. Through non-invasive techniques, your physical therapist can help you heal your shoulder, prevent it from becoming chronic or worsening, and save you valuable time and money.

To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.

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