It is not only you who experiences shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is one of the most common types of pain people experience. Shoulder pain has many different causes, but fortunately, many treatment options are available. Orthopedic or sports Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for shoulder pain.
This blog post, will be discussing the role of physiotherapy in shoulder pain management. We will look at the different types of physiotherapy treatments available and discuss how they can help reduce shoulder pain.
What is Shoulder Blade Pain?
It is a common complaint that can have many different causes. Treatment for shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause. It is one of the frequent reasons people see their doctor.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, shoulder pain affects about two in every three adults at some point in their lives.
Proper shoulder mechanics
Shoulder mechanics are essential for throwing and other overhead motions. The shoulder is like a ball-and-socket joint, which means that it has a lot of range of motion. The muscles and tendons attach to the shoulder blade (scapula) and the upper arm bone (humerus).
The rotator cuff muscles are packed to the shoulder blade and help lift the arm. They are essential for throwing and other overhead motions. The deltoid muscle attaches to the humerus and helps lift the arm. The biceps muscle attaches to the humerus and helps bend the elbow. The triceps muscle attaches to the lower arm bone and helps straighten the elbow. The muscles and tendons around the joint work together to provide stability and movement.
When the muscles and tendons are not working together correctly, it can cause problems with range of motion and stability. Poor shoulder mechanics can lead to injuries such as rotator cuff disease, shoulder impingement, adhesive capsulitis, overuse injuries, shoulder tendonitis, traumatic injury, shoulder bursitis, shoulder disorders, and biceps tendon tears. Here, the physical therapy treatments help target the root cause.
Common causes of shoulder injuries
One of the most common causes is rotator cuff tendinitis. It is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. Physical therapy can support to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. It can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
Another common cause of pain is the frozen shoulder. This condition causes the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful. Treatment for frozen shoulder typically includes physical therapy, stretching exercises, and steroid injections.
Different overhead arm movements, overstretching of rotator cuff tendons, and shoulder surgery can lead to severe pain. There are many other shoulder conditions, and each has a specific cause. Some common causes include:
Injury
A fall, direct blow, or other trauma can cause injury to shoulder muscles.
Overuse
Repeating the same motion over and over again can lead to shoulder pain. It occurs in athletes or people who do manual labor. For instance, increased shoulder flexion can cause pain in rotator cuff tendons and muscles.
Medical condition
Arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and bursitis are some medical conditions that can cause shoulder pain.
What is shoulder impingement?
Shoulder impingement syndrome it occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become irritated or inflamed. Treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome typically includes rest, ice, and therapy. Physiotherapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. It can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses exercises and other techniques to improve movement and function.
Moreover, it can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. Besides this, it can help improve the function of the shoulder and prevent further injury.
Rotator cuff tear
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one of the tendons in the shoulder. Moreover, rotator cuff tendinopathy can also resist patients from performing everyday tasks.
Symptoms of pain in the shoulder
The symptoms of shoulder pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms include:
● Aching
● Sharp pain
● Stiffness
● Swelling
Does medicines and surgery help treat pain?
In few cases, medicine or surgery may be necessary to treat shoulder pain. However, these treatments are typically only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy, have failed to relieve the pain.
Role of physiotherapy in shoulder pain management
If you experience shoulder pain, it is essential to consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Once the reason is determined, appropriate treatment can be initiated. Physiotherapy has its own important role in the management of shoulder pain.
A physical therapist can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint. Physiotherapy can play an essential role in the management of shoulder pain. Physiotherapy can help to:
● Reduce pain
● Improve range of motion
● Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder
● Decrease inflammation
● Improve overall function
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for shoulder pain. A recent study found that patients who received therapy have significantly reduced pain and improved function incomparison to those who did not receive therapy.
Complete shoulder pain treatment plan
A complete treatment plan for shoulder pain management typically includes physical therapy, stretching exercises, ice, and heat.
Your specialist may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication to help relieve pain.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the underlying condition. There are many different ways physiotherapists can treat shoulder pain, such as a home exercise program, electrical stimulation, and specific strengthening exercises for pain reduction and increased shoulder motion. Some common treatment methods include:
Manual therapy
It is a type of physiotherapy that involves using the hands to massage, stretch, and manipulate the soft tissues and joints. This can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and decrease inflammation. It involves using the hands to manipulate the soft tissues around the shoulder.
Ice therapy
Different physical therapy exercises are common to help restore shoulder function. Ice can help to decrease inflammation and pain. Ice therapy typically involves applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. It is a conservative treatment that increases shoulder movement and strengthens the rotator cuff tendon.
Heat therapy
Is heat therapy effective? Heat will help to relax the muscles around the shoulder. Heat can help loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow to the area. Heat therapy typically involves applying heat to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Stretching
Stretching can help to improve range of motion and flexibility. Your physiotherapist will teach you stretching exercises specific to your shoulder pain.
Some common stretching exercises for shoulder pain include:
Pendulum stretch
This gentle stretch can be done by hanging your arm over the edge of a table and letting it swing back and forth.
Shoulder shrugs
This exercise involves raising your shoulders towards your ears and releasing them down.
Arm circles
This exercise involves moving your arms in a circular motion.
Triceps stretch
This exercise involves reaching your arm across your body and holding onto your elbow with the opposite hand.
Strengthening
Strengthening exercises can help to support the shoulder joint and reduce pain. Some common strengthening exercises for shoulder pain include:
● Shoulder presses
● Bicep curls
● Tricep extensions
● Lateral raises
These listed exercises are just a few of the many different exercises that can strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. Your physiotherapist will plan a specific exercise program based on your needs.
Tips to prevent further shoulder tendon tears
Your physiotherapist will also inform you with education on preventing shoulder pain in the future. Some common tips include:
● Wearing proper support when engaging in activities that put stress on the shoulder
● Using good form when lifting objects
● Avoiding repetitive motions
● To strengthen and stretch the muscles around the shoulder
● Maintaining a healthy weight
By following these tips, you can help to prevent shoulder pain from returning in the future.
How many physical therapy sessions are essential for shoulder pain?
The number of physical therapy sessions needed for shoulder pain will vary depending on the severity of the condition. In most cases, a course of physical therapy lasting several weeks is sufficient. However, some people may need longer-term treatment.
