Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons why adult patients see their doctors. Your shoulder consists of muscles, tendons, and bones that allow smooth movement and a wide range of motion, but this complex intersection of tissues can develop an impingement – causing inflammation and pain.
There are several types of shoulder impingement, including rotator cuff tendonitis and shoulder bursitis. It’s usually the rotator cuff that’s causing shoulder pain, swelling, limited movement, and impaired range of motion.
Shoulder impingement does not develop overnight, and it is usually caused by repeated irritation. Swimmers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers often experience this issue. If left untreated, shoulder impingement can only worsen; so the earlier you receive treatment, the better the results.
Shoulder Impingement Treatments
Treatment for shoulder pain usually starts out with conservative methods such as:
- Rest
- Cold therapy (ice packs)
- Heat therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Almost every case of shoulder impingement responds well to physical therapy. These exercises will focus on the shoulder muscles and will include strengthening exercises and range-of-motion exercises.
Pain management is also provided by the physical therapist with the use of various modalities. The therapist can teach you how to move using correct positions; any incorrect body positioning you may be inadvertently performing can contribute to rotator cuff irritation or injury. The therapist may also apply manual therapy such as soft-tissue massage.
Moreover, physical therapy also includes patient education in regards to proper posture. Your physical therapist will assess your posture and teach you how to properly move during everyday tasks and how to avoid motions that can trigger shoulder impingement syndrome. This is a crucial part of shoulder impingement treatment and rehabilitation so that you do not continue performing the motions which are causing the irritation and shoulder pain.
What If My Shoulder Isn’t Responding to Physical Therapy?
If you are not responding well to conservative treatment methods such as therapy and pain-relief medication, the shoulder pain may be due to more severe damage than initially believed. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as rotator cuff repair.
If you have a torn rotator cuff and it is not healing naturally, surgery may be your best option. The surgeon will be able to repair the damaged tissues and alleviate the pain.
Shoulder Impingement Treatment in Palm Beach County
If you have chronic shoulder pain or symptoms of shoulder impingement, have it assessed by an experienced orthopedic doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to the rotator cuff. Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches is a leading provider of comprehensive and convenient orthopedic care here in South Florida. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are trained in the latest techniques to help our patients get back to their active lifestyle.
Our areas of expertise include general orthopedics, sports medicine, and work-related injuries. As part of our on-site services, we offer physical therapy to our patients with orthopedic issues.
To schedule a consultation, call Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches at (561) 733-5888 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to helping you finally find relief from your shoulder pain!
