Pain in the Shoulder...

Is often caused by injuries which occur when you fall on your shoulder or try to prevent a fall with an outstretched arm. People who play sports like basketball, tennis, or golf, any sport or work in which you repeatedly extend your arm above your head, are also at risk for stressing the shoulder.

Shoulder pain often comes from sprained ligaments or strained muscles that connect the arm to the chest. Overloading (replaces stretching) tendons (replaces ligaments) and muscles or ligaments too far can cause a loss of normal movement, and produce swelling and pain in your shoulder and down your arm.

Manual therapy is used to release the muscles in spasm, restore joint mobility and relieve (spelling correction) pain and restore function. Stretches are used to bring flexibility and movement back... so you can get off the couch and back to doing what you love to do. Learn more about Manual Therapy.  Learn more about other therapies we use.

Treatment

Ice is your friend, and you should ice your shoulder with an ice pack wrapped in a towel as soon after the injury as possible to reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack for 15-20 (leave as 15 minutes or until numb) minutes, at least four times a day. Call your doctor immediately if you have any deformity, burning or numbness in your shoulder or arm.

You should consider calling your physical therapist after a shoulder injury. They have the skill to help get you back on your feet (or in the swing of things) as quickly as possible!

Prevention

The best way to prevent shoulder pain is to keep your muscles stretched, strong, and flexible. Personalized PT customizes exercise and stretching programs to fit your needs, to both repair and prevent injury. Contact us to arrange a consultation.

Meanwhile, protect your shoulders from injury by protecting yourself. Stretch and warm up before work and sports. If you feel yourself falling try to roll with the fall instead of stiffening up and bracing. And if you do injure yourself.. ice, rest, and call your PT.

Return to Where It Hurts, the Clickable Man!