Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. It is a ball and socket joint made up of 3 bones held in place by muscles, tendons and ligaments. These three bones are:
- Upper Arm (Humerus)
- Shoulder Blade (Scapula)
- Collarbone (Clavicle)
What can cause shoulder pain?
Because of its extreme mobility, the shoulder is highly prone to injury. Some causes of shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis - inflammation to the shoulder joint.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) - when the shoulder is stiff, painful and has limited motion in all directions.
- Shoulder Dislocation / Instability - when the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped shoulder socket (glenoid). A partial dislocation (sublaxation) occurs when the upper arm is partially out of the socket. Both conditions cause pain and shoulder unsteadiness.
- Shoulder (A-C Separation) - stretching or tearing of the ligaments connecting the collarbone and shoulder blade.
- Shoulder Fractures - broken bone in the shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis / Tear - inflammation (tendinitis) of one or more rotator cuff tendons or a tear that is typically caused by repetitive overhead motions.
- Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) Tear - injury to the labrum of the shoulder (ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint).
- Shoulder Impingement - rotator cuff tendons or bursa are trapped and compressed during shoulder movements.
- Bursitis - inflammation of one or more bursae.
- Tendinitis - inflammation or irritation in the cord-like structure (tendon) attaching muscle to bone.
- Cervical Radiculopathy - pinched nerve in the neck.
- Whiplash - injury to ligaments and muscles in the neck.
- Herniated Disc / Slipped Disc / Ruptured Disc - the outer perimeter of the disc (annulus) in the spine is cracked or torn and part or all of the soft gelatinous part of the center core (nucleus pulposus) ruptures out.
Shoulder pain due to cervical radiculopathy, whiplash and herniated discs is actually referred pain from the neck. Shoulder pain can also result from gallbladder disease (referred pain to the right shoulder) or even a heart attack (referred pain typically to the left shoulder).
If you are suffering from any of the above signs or symptoms, chances are, our physical therapists can help.
What conditions can we rehabilitate?
Our physical therapists (PTs) are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of human movement dysfunctions. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.
Some of the conditions we have successfully treated include:
- Impingement*
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Instability
- Fracture/Trauma
- Frozen Shoulder
- Tendinopathy
- Arthritis
Your treatment options for shoulder pain:
- Drugs
- Surgery
- Physical Therapy*
* Physical therapy has been proven to be as effective as surgery. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005 May:64(5).
What are the advantages of physical therapy?
- No side effects.
- Cost-effective.
- Supported by clinical research*.
- Customized to treat the underlying cause.
The recovery process is typically fast and simple:
- Pain Relief
- Restoration of Normal Movement
- Recovery of Function
- Independent Care
What will my treatments consist of?
- A thorough biomechanical evaluation.
- Customized treatment plan.
- Extensive patient education.
- Hands-on techniques to relax the muscles and recover mobility.
- Stretching for tight muscles.
- Strengthening of weak muscles.
- Mobilization of stiff joints.
- Modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Everyone is different. You may require one or two visits, or an extended care plan over several weeks or months. If you’re ready for relief, and tired of “masking” your pain, treat the cause, not just the symptoms!
What can I expect from my treatments?
Components of your care will include:
- A thorough biomechanical evaluation.
- Extensive patient education.
- A customized treatment plan.
- Effective joint mobilization techniques to decrease joint stiffness.
- Pain-relieving modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
- Targeted stretching for tight muscles.
- Progressive strength training.
- Balance and functional re-education.
Everyone is different. You may require one or two visits, or an extended care plan over several weeks or months. If you’re ready for relief, and tired of “masking” your pain, treat the cause, not just the symptoms!
* Physical therapy techniques are recommended for arthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, and hand. Physical Therapy 2005 85: 907-971; Physical Therapy 2004 84: 934-972.
Physical therapy for Shoulder Pain
Visit our Medical Library for more information on shoulder pain.
