Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Physical therapy can be very successful in treating shoulder pain. We devise a treatment plan that is specific to each patient’s condition and goals.

An individual treatment program may include:

Pain Management. Our Physical Therapist will help identify and avoid painful movements, as well as correct abnormal postures to reduce impingement compression. Therapeutic modalities, like electrical stimulation and ultrasound may be applied. Ice may also be helpful to reduce pain.

Manual Therapy. Our Physical Therapists may use manual techniques, such as joint mobilizations, active/passive range of motion, nerve glides, and shoulder stretches to get the shoulder moving properly, so that the tendons and bursa avoid impingement.

Range-of-Motion Exercises. Each patient will learn exercises and stretches to help the shoulder and scapula move properly, so that reaching and lifting can be accomplished without pain or further damage.

Strengthening Exercises. Our Physical Therapists will determine which strengthening exercises are right for the patient, depending on the specific condition. They may also perform resistance training exercises to strengthen the weakened muscles. The patient will receive a home-exercise program to continue their strengthening long after they have completed formal Physical Therapy.

Patient Education. Learning proper posture is an important part of rehabilitation. Our Physical Therapists work with each patient to help improve posture and may suggest adjustments to the work station and work habits.

Functional Training. As symptoms improve, our Physical Therapists teach how to correctly perform a range of functions using proper shoulder mechanics.