Shoulder Pain: Find Relief Through Physical Therapy

Shoulder pain can severely impact your quality of life, making everyday tasks difficult and uncomfortable. However, you don’t have to live with this pain forever. Physical therapy offers a comprehensive, non-invasive solution to address the root causes of your shoulder pain and provide lasting relief. At One on One Physical Therapy in Atlanta, our experienced physical therapists are dedicated to helping you regain your comfort and functionality. Don’t let shoulder pain control your life any longer. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier future.

Atlanta Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain Relief

Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common issue that affects many people, manifesting as a dull ache when you turn over in bed, reach for something on a high shelf, or as a result of surgery or injury. This type of pain can make you feel as if you can’t use your shoulder, severely impacting your daily life. Pain levels can vary depending on the cause, such as a pulled muscle or arthritis caused by bones rubbing against each other. Regardless of the specific condition, One on One Physical Therapy is dedicated to offering natural pain management modalities to help you find relief.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder has the greatest range of motion of all the joints in your body, making it susceptible to various issues. It is a “ball-and-socket” joint, meaning the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the space within the shoulder blade (scapula). The ends of the bones are protected by cartilage, which helps prevent them from rubbing against each other. Additionally, fluid-filled sacs called bursae protect the tendons from rubbing against the bones, and tendons attach the shoulder bones to the rotator cuff.

Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Given the shoulder’s complexity, numerous conditions can cause pain, including:

  • Tendonitis: Tendonitis results from overuse of the shoulder joint due to overhead activities, laborious jobs, or sports. Poor posture can worsen tendonitis by altering tendon forces, causing persistent inflammation and pain when raising your arm.

  • Rotator Cuff Tear: The rotator cuff can tear partially or completely due to overuse, injury, poor posture, or age. Physical therapy treatments can often reduce pain and restore strength, even if surgery is necessary.

  • Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, and osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear, can both affect the shoulder, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty performing daily tasks.

  • Frozen Shoulder: Also known as “adhesive capsulitis,” frozen shoulder occurs if your arm has been immobilized for a long time, leading to painful loss of motion and tightening of the shoulder joint.

Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can differ based on its underlying cause. Here are some common types:

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Caused by Illness

Impingement

Pain from impingement begins at a certain point in the range of motion, often when raising your arm. It occurs due to abnormal movement and tracking of the humeral head as you lift your arm.

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Caused by Degenerative Conditions

Degenerative Shoulder Conditions

Conditions like osteoarthritis cause consistent aches when moving the arm. Arthritis happens when cartilage wears down, leading to bones rubbing against each other, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Caused by Injuries

Acute Injuries

Sudden and intense pains, such as from acute injuries, can make it impossible to move your shoulder. These injuries might include tears in the tendons, muscles, and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You With Shoulder Pain

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, physical therapy offers a natural, comfortable way to find relief without harmful drugs or invasive surgery. At One on One Physical Therapy, our physical therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that manifest as shoulder pain.

During your initial consultation, our therapists will evaluate your range of motion, coordination, strength, medical history, and joint mobility. This thorough assessment helps identify the root cause of your shoulder pain. Based on the evaluation, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan. Techniques may include:

Manual Therapy

Gentle techniques to restore normal joint movement, promote blood circulation, and ease soft tissue limitations.

Targeted Exercises

Exercises to restore strength and proper muscle activation around the shoulder joint.

Education

Guidance on exercises to do at home to enhance strength and prevent future shoulder problems.

Additional Therapies

Heat and ice therapy to reduce inflammation, ultrasound therapy to send soothing heat into deep tissues, and electrical stimulation to improve muscle function.

Get Started with Physical Therapy Today

There is no reason for you to live in pain any longer. Contact our Atlanta physical therapy office today for more information and to schedule your initial consultation. Our experienced physical therapists are ready to help you start on the path to long-lasting pain relief. At One on One Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to help you regain your comfort and functionality.