Did you know that your shoulders are the most flexible joints in your body? They’re made up of a variety of muscles, tendons, and bones, and they’re highly complicated. They are what allow you to move around and complete many of your responsibilities during the day. Your shoulders are capable of a great deal, but they are also extremely vulnerable to injury.
If you’ve been suffering from shoulder pain, our physical therapy services can help you discover natural relief. Contact Richmond Physical Therapy today to discover more about how we can help you go back to your normal life without shoulder pain!
Reasons for shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. A sudden injury or damage to the shoulders, for example, can cause you to feel discomfort in your shoulders.
Repetitive activities can also create shoulder pain by overworking your muscles, joints, and tendons. Physical therapy can help with a variety of issues that may be causing the pain or discomfort you’re experiencing in your shoulder.
The following are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
- Arthritis. Arthritis is a painful and stiffening joint disease. There are various forms of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequent. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between your bones breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by swollen and inflamed joints. Physical therapy can help with pain alleviation and movement for both of these diseases.
- Sprains and strains. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn. Strains and sprains can result in an ongoing shoulder pain that may make it difficult to partake in exercise or even daily tasks. If the strain or sprain is minor, it can sometimes be iced at home and healed with rest. More severe strains and sprains will often require physical therapy treatments.
- Torn cartilage. You may suffer a variety of uncomfortable symptoms if your cartilage tears. In the affected shoulder, you may notice a loss of strength and a restricted range of motion. When you move your arm in particular ways, you may feel pain. If you have torn cartilage, physical therapy can help you feel better.
- Tendonitis. When a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, it is called tendonitis. It can affect any area of the body, and it’s commonly referred to as “tennis elbow,” “swimmer’s shoulder,” or “jumper’s knee.” Different varieties of tendonitis can be treated by a physical therapist, and the inflamed area can be relieved.
- Frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that typically occurs after extended periods of inactivity, such as being contained to a sling or cast after an injury. This condition will gradually worsen over time, resulting in pain and stiffness. It typically corrects itself after a couple of years, but physical therapy can help provide relief while you are recovering. It could also help to speed up the recovery process.
- Bursitis. Bursitis is a type of joint inflammation that affects the fluid-filled sacs that surround the bones, muscles, and tendons. It frequently happens in body parts that are subjected to repetitive activities. You may feel stiff or achy in the affected area, which may also become red or inflamed if you have bursitis. Physical therapy can help with the inflammation as well as the pain you’re experiencing.
How can a physical therapist help me feel better?
Physical therapy has two main goals: 1) to relieve your discomfort and 2) to increase your function. Throughout your physical therapy appointments, your physical therapist will work with you to ensure that both of these goals are met.
Your physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan for you, including targeted stretches and exercises. Ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, ultrasound, aquatic therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation are examples of additional methods or modalities that your physical therapist may recommend.
Take pain relief into your own hands
There are a wide range of conditions that can be treated with the help of physical therapy. If you are living with shoulder pain, don’t let it limit your life any longer! Find natural, safe, and effective relief today with physical therapy treatments. Call Richmond Physical Therapy today to get scheduled for a complete assessment so we can help you to find true relief from shoulder pain!
