Shoulder Pain

Shoulder injuries can stem from a wide variety of activities. Overuse during manual labor, sports injuries, and even simple repetitive movements can cause injury to the shoulder acutely or over time. There are also several diseases and other conditions that present as pain in the shoulder. These include liver problems, heart problems, lung or breathing issues, and even gallbladder problems.

Surgery is often indicated in certain conditions of the shoulder. Physical therapy can be an extremely effective way to recover from shoulder surgery or to treat shoulder problems in lieu of surgery.

Common underlying conditions that contribute to shoulder pain include:

  • Tendon tear in the shoulder
  • Tendon inflammation
  • Degeneration of the shoulder
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Instability in the shoulder
  • Fracture or broken bone
  • Impingement
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Labral tear
  • Shoulder dislocation

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

There are many treatment options available via your physical therapist when it comes to treating shoulder pain. Your symptoms and the underlying conditions that are causing the pain in your shoulder, as well as your personal goals for recovery, will help to guide your physical therapist in drafting your customized treatment plan.

Treatment can include a variety of manual therapy options, as well as exercises that you will perform with your physical therapist at appointments and on your own. Your physical therapist will also coordinate your care with the rest of your medical team to ensure that you receive the best treatment required to make as full a recovery as possible.