Shoulder Treatment

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SHOULDER CONDITIONS?

The shoulder is an extremely complex part of the body. It is a “ball-and-socket joint,” meaning that the humerus (head of the upper arm bone) fits perfectly in the corresponding space within the scapula (shoulder blade). Each end of the bone is protected by a thick layer of cartilage that prevents the bones from rubbing together. The shoulder also contains fluid-filled sacs known as bursae that prevent the tendons from rubbing against the bones.

Your shoulders can accomplish several physical feats due to their structure – however, this also means that they are susceptible to an increased risk of injury because of their complexity. If something becomes damaged in the make-up of the shoulders, pain and discomfort can develop. This pain may range from a dull ache to shooting pains, depending on the severity of the condition.

Do you suffer from shoulder pain due to an injury, overuse, or surgery? Our team of specialists at HealthQuest Physical Therapy offers physical therapy for shoulder pain and can put together an individualized plan with the goal of making your shoulder stronger and more mobile. We’ll help you work towards restoring the use of the injured or repaired shoulder so that you can more quickly return to your job and simply enjoy life without ongoing shoulder pain.

If your pain is stemming from tendon impingement, it will generally occur as you lift your arm, fading before it is raised completely skyward. If your pain is a result of shoulder degeneration, it is likely that you will feel persistent aches every time you move your arm in certain directions. Pain from an acute injury can be sudden and intense, making it difficult for you to move your shoulder at all.

40+ CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

GOALS & STRATEGIES

for treating shoulder conditions

eliminate/reduce
pain & swelling

improved
mobility & flexibility

education & preventative tools

increased
strength & endurance

return to
normal function

proper
alignment

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journey to health Today

COMMON SHOULDER

Conditions we treat

The number of reasons why shoulder pain may develop is vast. However, some of the most common causes include:

Rotator Cuff

  • Rotator Cuff Tear or injury can occur when the muscles that move the shoulder joint weaken or tear, leading to weakness, pain and loss of motion.

Arthritis

  • Arthritis occurs when the tissue or cartilage which protects the joints wears down. This can cause stiff or painful movement.

Tendonitis

  • Tendinitis in the shoulder joint occurs when the joint is excessively overused.
  • Symptoms include swelling and painful impingement when raising the affected arm.
  • This typically happens due to the demands of a sport or labor-intensive job, which can cause the tendons to experience ongoing inflammation.

Frozen shoulder

  • Medically referred to as “adhesive capsulitis,” frozen shoulder can occur if you have been bedridden for an extended period of time or if your arm has been in a cast or sling for a while.
  • When you don’t have opportunities to exercise the shoulder, the tissues can stiffen up on you, thus causing this painful condition to occur.

Bursitis

  • Bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of the fluid filled sack or “bursa” that cushions the tendons and joints. When the bursa becomes irritated the shoulder may become painful and stiff.

Postural Dysfunction

  • Postural Dysfunction is a common cause of shoulder pain. The increased use of computers and extended periods sitting often leads to muscle imbalances in the shoulder which over time leads to injury and pain.

Impingement

  • Also called: impingement syndrome
  • Defined as a “pinching” of the rotator cuff under the end of the collar bone during overhead motion.

Tears

  • Labrum tear: The labrum is a piece of fibrocartilage (rubbery tissue) attached to the rim of the shoulder socket that helps keep the ball of the joint in place.
  • SLAP tear: tear of tissue that is located on top of the shoulder. SLAP stands for “Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior.”Ro

WE HAVE YOU COVERED

We Accept MOST Insurance Plans

TREATMENT PLAN

for shoulder pain

We treat the individual…not just the pain or dysfunction. Your physical therapy treatment may include:

Personalized Evaluation
& Treatment Plan

customized therapeutic
exercise program

hands-on
manual therapy

biofeedback
techniques

soft tissue mobilization
& myofascial release

joint
mobilization

relaxation
techniques

biomechanical & functional retraining & education

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learn more about

shoulder pain

Our physical therapy treatments can help manage your shoulder pain, no matter how severe it may be. Physical therapy is safe, non-invasive, and pain-free. Our Southeast Michigan physical therapists are licensed and dedicated to designing the best-individualized treatment plan for your needs. In fact, many of our patients have reported finding improvement and relief after just a few short physical therapy sessions – and sometimes less!