It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate shoulder pain. Common symptoms include sharp or dull pain, limited range of motion in the shoulder, stiffness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the site of the injury.
Other possible indications include weakness in the arm or difficulty lifting objects with the affected arm.
If you begin to feel shoulder pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Ignoring the symptoms can have serious consequences such as further injury, chronic pain, or even disability. It is possible for some individuals to experience long-term shoulder problems due to improper treatment or lack of treatment.
Your doctor may use a combination of imaging tests and physical exams to diagnose your shoulder pain and determine the underlying cause. Treatment options typically depend on the severity of the injury and can range from physical therapy to surgery.
In some cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain activities or other modifications may be necessary.
Additionally, medications such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended for managing your shoulder pain.
Home remedies like applying ice or heat, taking a warm bath, or using an elastic bandage may also be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation.
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is the best way to avoid the long-term consequences of shoulder pain.
Therefore, it is important to seek help early if you suspect that you have shoulder pain. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can find relief and restore your shoulder to its normal functioning.
5 Exercises You Can Do To Help With Shoulder Pain
- Pendulum Stretch: Stand up straight and hold onto a stable object for balance if needed. Bend forward at the waist, allowing your arms to hang down like a pendulum. With each swing of the pendulum, add more sway in order to help relax your shoulder muscles.
- Doorway Stretch: Stand in a doorway with your arms at shoulder height on either side of the door frame. Make sure that your elbows are bent and slightly above shoulder level, and slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch across the front of your shoulders.
- Wall Press: Stand facing a wall about an arm’s distance away from it. Place your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height and slowly press yourself into a forward lean, feeling a lengthening sensation in your shoulders.
- Seated Rotation: Sit on a chair with your arms crossed in front of you, keeping one arm stacked on top of the other and both hands resting on the opposite shoulder. Slowly move your upper body in a circular motion, being mindful to maintain the crossed position of your arms.
- Overhead Shoulder Stretch: Start by standing tall and interlacing your fingers behind your head. Keeping your elbows wide, slowly raise them up until you feel a stretch in your shoulder blades and upper back.
These five exercises can be done anywhere and are a great way to relieve shoulder pain. Remember to take it slow and not push too hard if you begin to feel discomfort.
You should also speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
If the above exercises do not provide relief, you may want to look into trying other options such as physical therapy or acupuncture. These treatments can help target more specific areas of the shoulder and provide more targeted relief.
Additionally, you may want to look into massage therapy or stretching classes which can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
Finally, if you’re experiencing chronic shoulder pain, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause so that you can devise an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
How We Can Help You With Shoulder Pain at Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Shoulder pain can be a common but debilitating condition that affects many people. It is often caused by an injury, repetitive motion, or underlying medical conditions. Physical therapists can help provide relief from shoulder pain through a variety of treatments and strategies.
Physical therapists use a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, therapeutic massage, and cold or heat therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and restore normal shoulder function. They may also provide advice on posture and ergonomics to help prevent further symptoms or pain flare-ups.
Finding the right physical therapist is key to getting long-term relief from shoulder pain. Look for a practitioner who is certified in orthopedic manual therapy, who can assess and diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain. They should be able to provide a personalized treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
Your physical therapist can also work with you to come up with an exercise regimen tailored to maintain shoulder mobility and prevent future episodes of shoulder pain. This may include strengthening exercises as well as stretching and flexibility exercises.
Is Shoulder Pain Keeping You Sidelined This Summer?
Staying active is important. But, shoulder pain can keep you from staying active and can be nagging when dealing with it for a period of time.
If that sounds like you, then schedule a free phone consult or contact us to arrange a Shoulder Pain Assessment. You can also feel free to give us a call at 845.675.8444 (We still like to talk on the phone!)
If you want more information on how to best shoulder pain, visit us at Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Don’t let back pain keep you from what you love to do!
We love to keep people in the Valley Cottage area mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.
Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Valley Cottage clinic as part of your Shoulder Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 845.675.8444.
Until next time,
David Stedjan, PT
Other Free Resources from Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation…
Free Report for Back Pain – “9 Easy Tips to Stop Your Low Back Pain from Stopping Your Work-Outs and Social Activities”
Read Our Blog – Can Stress Cause Body Aches And Pains?