Physical Therapy and Treatment for Shoulder Pain in New Jersey

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houlder pain is a common issue among adults. Studies indicate that 18 to 26 percent of adults experience shoulder pain at some point. This prevalence can vary based on factors such as age, occupation, and physical activity levels.

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO), provides physical therapy and other treatments for patients with shoulder pain at locations throughout northern New Jersey. Learn more about this condition, its risk factors, and care plan options.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can arise from various causes, including:

• Referred Pain: Pain originating from other areas, such as the neck, spine, or chest, but is felt in the shoulder area.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion the shoulder joint.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: A combination of one to five different tendons of the shoulder partially or completely torn. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially among athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead motions.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often restricting movement. This can become so severe that the patient cannot raise the arm at all.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space.
• Shoulder Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain and stiffness.
• Shoulder Dislocation or Instability: When the shoulder joint is forced out of its normal position, causing pain and instability.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder due to overuse or injury.
• Shoulder Fractures: Fractures of the bones in the shoulder, such as the clavicle (collarbone) or humerus (upper arm bone).
• Postural Imbalances or Muscle Strain: Poor posture, muscle imbalances, or overuse of certain muscles can lead to shoulder pain.

It’s important to note that the specific cause of shoulder pain can vary based on individual circumstances and medical history. A skilled physical therapist at CNSO can evaluate symptoms to determine the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves affected and then determine the appropriate conservative treatment and management. Physical therapists can also determine when the patient’s care needs to be advanced to a surgeon for further evaluation.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Physical therapy can be very effective in treating shoulder pain. Here’s how it can help:

• Pain Relief: Physical therapists use various techniques such as manual therapy, massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
• Improving Range of Motion: Through specific exercises and stretches, physical therapy aims to increase the flexibility and range of motion of the shoulder joint, which can be restricted due to pain or stiffness.
• Strengthening Muscles: Weak muscles around the shoulder joint can contribute to pain and instability. Physical therapists design exercises to strengthen these muscles, which helps support the joint and reduce pain.
• Posture Correction: Poor posture can strain the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder, leading to pain. Physical therapists can teach proper posture and ergonomic techniques to alleviate shoulder pain.
• Education and Prevention: Understanding the causes of shoulder pain and learning proper body mechanics during daily activities or sports can prevent future episodes of pain.
• Individualized Treatment: Physical therapy programs are tailored to the individual’s specific condition, considering factors such as age, level of activity, and the underlying cause of shoulder pain.
• Avoiding Surgery: In many cases, physical therapy can effectively treat shoulder pain without the need for surgery. Even in cases where surgery is necessary, physical therapy can improve outcomes and aid post-operative recovery.

Overall, physical therapy is a non-invasive and conservative approach to managing shoulder pain that focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.