What Could Be Causing My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and difficulty with daily tasks. It is caused by any number of factors, including injury to the shoulder joint or surrounding muscles and tendons, overuse, or inflammation of the rotator cuff muscles. Symptoms of shoulder pain can include stiffness, limited range of motion, dull ache, sharp pain with movement, swelling around the joint, or tingling sensation in the arm or hand.

The extent and duration of shoulder pain can depend on the underlying cause. Some causes may be short-term due to an injury such as a dislocated shoulder joint or strain from lifting a heavy object. Other causes may be longer-term due to chronic conditions like arthritis or bursitis.

The effects of shoulder pain can be far-reaching and limit your ability to perform daily activities. Simple tasks like reaching for an item on a shelf, brushing teeth, or even driving may become painful or nearly impossible without proper treatment.

This can create frustration and lead to further complications as you avoid movement of the shoulder joint in order to reduce symptoms. If shoulder pain persists for more than two weeks it is important to seek medical attention from a physician who will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and rest, most people recover from shoulder pain within four to six weeks. However, if left untreated it can increase the risk of further injury or chronic disability over time.

What Could Be Causing My Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can have a wide variety of underlying causes, so it is important to consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, tendinopathy, arthritis, and nerve entrapment.

Rotator cuff injuries occur when one or more of the four muscles in the shoulder are damaged or torn. Symptoms may include pain when lifting the arm up above the head. Treatment may involve rest and physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve flexibility. Surgery may be recommended if more severe tears are present.

Bursitis is caused by inflammation in the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your shoulder joint. Symptoms may include pain when the area is moved or touched as well as swelling around the joint. Treatment usually involves rest, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or corticosteroids.

Tendonitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed and irritated due to repetitive motions or activities that require overuse of the tendons. Symptoms can include tenderness and swelling around the affected area as well as a feeling of weakness in the arm. Treatment may involve resting the affected area, physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength, wearing a splint to reduce movement if necessary, topical anti-inflammatory creams, or oral medications.

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Shoulder Pain?

Physical therapy can be an effective way to reduce and manage shoulder pain. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is designed to improve the range of motion in your shoulder, as well as strengthen the muscles around it.

Depending on the type and severity of your shoulder pain, treatments may include manual therapies such as soft tissue massage or joint mobilization; exercise-based therapies like stretching and strengthening exercises; modalities such as ice or heat therapy; and even acupuncture or taping techniques.

Regularly following a physical therapy program can help with reducing pain levels, increasing strength, improving mobility, promoting healing, and preventing further injury or damage. Physical therapists also teach patients proper posture for activities at home and on the job to help protect the shoulder from further injury.

Additionally, physical therapists can provide advice and education on how to modify daily activities or work tasks in order to reduce stress on the sore shoulder. By taking preventative measures, patients can remain as independent as possible while reducing the risk of future injury. Physical therapy is an important part of any comprehensive treatment plan for those suffering from shoulder pain.

Are You Still Looking For Answers For Your Shoulder Pain?

Have you been searching for solutions to your shoulder pain and have had no success in finding answers to help treat it?

We have had success helping our patients with shoulder pain and have been able to treat them so they are able to avoid future episodes of shoulder pain, keeping it from becoming a chronic issue.

If you are dealing with shoulder pain and want to take the next steps in finding relief, then visit us and take advantage of our shoulder pain assessment!

To find out how our rehabilitative experts utilize a variety of physical therapy techniques that can help you overcome your pain and stay active, schedule a time to come see us by completing our online contact form in under 30 seconds or call our friendly team at 425-628-2031.

Unsure whether we are right for you?

We understand that you may not have visited a Physical Therapy clinic before and be unsure whether it’s going to help you deal with shoulder pain. That is why we invite you to come in for a Shoulder Pain Assessment.

Arrange A Shoulder Pain Assessment at one of our five locations (Bellevue, Everett, Factoria, Kirkland and Lake Stevens) today!