However, the thought that could be weighing heavily in our minds might be whether or not surgery is the only practical solution to end our shoulder pain.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we know how unsettling shoulder pain can be. Fortunately, physical therapy and occupational therapy have proven to be effective forms of rehabilitation used to treat shoulder pain.
Our highly trained therapists at our offices located in Marietta and Atlanta, GA can help. If you would like relief from your shoulder pain, occupational therapy and physical therapy may be the right options for you. Contact us today to book your visit!
What Are Some Common Shoulder Problems That Cause Pain?
There are a variety of shoulder problems that can cause pain. Some of the most common shoulder problems can be found below.
- Rotator cuff injuries affect the tendons and muscles that work together to keep your shoulder stabilized in its proper position. Two common types of rotator cuff injuries are tendonitis and shoulder bursitis. When your tendons or bursa become inflamed, you may begin to feel shoulder pain.
- Frozen shoulder is a sustained painful stiffness that can reduce your shoulder’s range of motion. It can make simple, everyday tasks such as brushing your teeth and driving seem impossible. In severe cases, you may not even be able to move your shoulder.
- Shoulder instability can result from the ball of your shoulder joint not fitting correctly within the socket of your shoulder joint. This can cause your shoulder to slip or even become dislocated.
- Strained, sprained, or torn muscles are characterized by severe pain in your shoulder.
While these are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain, it can also present itself in many other forms.
See a Chiropractor, Occupational Therapist, or Physical Therapist for Your Shoulder Pain
Chiropractors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists have helped many find relief from their shoulder pain and have successfully aided the rehabilitation process. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to reduce inflammation and ease your pain.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping you carry out your daily activities with ease. Your occupational therapist will thoroughly evaluate your shoulder and identify your daily activities so that he can be aware of the demands generally put on your shoulder.
Physical therapists can improve your ability to move and function without pain. This non-invasive therapy has helped many avoid the need for surgery and also expedited the recovery process after having surgery.
Your therapist will specifically tailor a program that will aid in strengthening your shoulder. This tailored program aims to prevent pain in your shoulder while carrying out your daily activities while simultaneously increasing your independence and productivity.
How an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist Can Treat Shoulder Pain
Before your occupational therapist or physical therapist can help relieve your pain and adjust your shoulder, he will first need to provide a proper diagnosis of why you are experiencing your shoulder pain. A comprehensive medical examination will be done, and an x-ray or MRI may also be taken.
Your therapist will then begin to manage your pain and reduce your swelling, while at the same time assisting you to slowly regain your range of motion. As your range of motion increases, you will gradually be allowed to increase your activity level.
These gentle movements of your shoulder joints can help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve functionality and flexibility
- Strengthen your muscles
Some of the best exercises to relieve shoulder pain can be found below.
- Neck release — This exercise will gently loosen the tension you feel in your neck and shoulders by stretching your neck and back.
- Across-the-chest — This form of stretching helps increase your shoulder’s range of motion and joint flexibility.
- Chest expansion — This stretch also increases your shoulder’s flexibility and range of motion.
You will want to avoid exercises that aggravate your shoulder, possibly prolonging your recovery until you are cleared by your specialist.
Some of these exercises include:
- Swimming
- All exercises that involve throwing, including throwing overhead (tennis, baseball, etc.)
- Lifting weights, especially overhead
- Bench dips
When Should I See a Therapist?
You should see a therapist for your shoulder pain as soon as you start feeling prolonged discomfort. Your therapist can help you identify the root cause of your pain and provide the proper treatment.
Our expert team is among the best in Georgia, and our offices are conveniently located in Atlanta and Marietta. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of treatment that you deserve.
Let us help you identify the cause of your shoulder pain and provide the kind of treatment that can put your mind at ease. Contact us today!
