Summer is the time of year to throw your hands up and celebrate the warm weather and all the great activities that pair well with the sunshine. Whether you are hopping in a kayak or canoe, grabbing your mitt for a weekend softball game, or pumping up the bike tires for a family ride to your neighborhood ice cream shop, one thing that can ruin all your fun is shoulder pain.
Don’t worry! Our team at Bay State Physical Therapy is here to help! With a deep knowledge of sports and specialized services to help reduce pain and improve function, working together as your partner we can help you get back to what you love most.
Summer Activities that May Cause Shoulder Pain
Regardless of your level of athleticism, injuries to the shoulder are common in many competitive and leisurely sporting activities. Some common activities that might lead to pain or overuse injuries include tennis, golf, baseball or softball, rowing/paddling, and fishing.
Common Shoulder Injuries We Treat
Shoulder injuries can be acute (the injury occurred, or pain began less than three months ago) or chronic (pain has persisted for more than three months). Additionally, not all injuries occur as the result of a specific event, like falling and dislocating your shoulder. Some injuries occur slowly over time when we repeatedly perform the same motion (such as with fly fishing) that causes overuse injuries like tendinitis or bursitis.
Fortunately, your physical therapist will do all the work to get to the root cause and work with you to establish rehab goals that help you return to the activities you enjoy. Doesn’t that sound better than continuing to sit out while hoping your pain goes away on its own?!
How Physical Therapy Can Help You
Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, bones, and joints of the body) and personalize your treatment program by utilizing a variety of hands-on treatment techniques that are uniquely right for you. If you are dealing with pain, they may choose to incorporate ESTIM, cupping, or dry needling. If you have joint mobility limitations, they may provide joint mobilization, IASTM, or stretching and strengthening exercises. When it is time to prepare for discharge from physical therapy, your physical therapist will teach you everything you need to maintain your improved function for the foreseeable future. What if you have a setback? A quick call to your physical therapist and a little bit of their guidance can help you get back on track.
Don’t Sit Out Any Longer, Call Us Today
At Bay State Physical Therapy, helping you overcome pain to reach your maximal potential is our goal. Whether it is shoulder pain that has slowed you down or another injury that has you sidelined, we are your partner in health for a lifetime of motion.
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
Tags: Exercise, Chronic Pain, shoulder pain, sports
