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Shoulder Pain

When your daily routine is altered due to a shoulder injury, re-injury, surgery, accident or chronic condition, an OSI physical therapist can help get you back to feeling your best. There are many injuries commonly associated with the shoulder. Below is a list of some common shoulder conditions we see:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Shoulder Impingement
  • Hypermobility/Hypomobility
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • SLAP lesions/Labral Injuries
  • Joint Replacement

How Does A Shoulder Injury Feel?

The injured arm often feels heavy, weak, and painful. In severe cases, tears may keep you from doing your daily activities or even raising your arm. People with rotator cuff tears often are unable to lift the arm to reach high shelves or reach behind their backs to tuck in a shirt or blouse, pull out a wallet, or fasten a bra.

 

How Can A Physical Therapist Help?

Once your shoulder injury has been diagnosed, you will work with your orthopedist and physical therapist to decide if you should have surgery or if you can try to manage your recovery without surgery. If you don’t have surgery, your therapist will work with you to restore your range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination, so that you can return to your regular activities. In some cases, your therapist may help you learn to modify your physical activity so that you put less stress on your shoulder. If you decide to have surgery, your therapist can help you both before and after the procedure.

Regardless of which treatment you have—physical therapy only, or surgery and physical therapy—early treatment can help speed up healing and avoid permanent damage.

Can this injury or condition be prevented?

A physical therapist can help you decrease your risk of developing or worsening a shoulder injury, especially if you seek assistance at the first sign of shoulder pain or discomfort. To avoid developing or progressing an injury, it is imperative to avoid future exacerbations. Your physical therapist can help you strengthen your rotator cuff muscles, train you to avoid potentially harmful positions, and determine when it is appropriate for you to return to your normal activities.