All About Shoulder Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Two common causes of shoulder pain are 1) an injury in the rotator cuff or 2) soreness of the subacromial bursa, a sac of fluid under the high part of the shoulder. Other causes of shoulder pain include bone abnormalities, injuries, osteoarthritis and thickening of the ligaments in the shoulder area. Sports enthusiasts often incur shoulder pain due to repetitive motions.
The Rotator Cuff: What It Is
The primary joint in the shoulder is formed by the shoulder blade and arm bone. This joint socket, the rotator cuff, allows a wide range of motion and keeps the shoulder steady when the arm is in motion. The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles, which surround the arm bone. The supraspinatus muscle sits on the shoulder top, and its tendon extends under the outside of the shoulder bone. Because of its location between bones, rotator cuff injuries including a tear, damage to the subacromial bursa sac, and a swollen tendon when pinched between the bones are common.
Frozen Shoulder: How It’s Caused
Frozen shoulder is another name for adhesive capsulitis. This is a shoulder condition that limits the range of motion, and it may be caused by long periods of inactivity, diabetes or surgery. Scar tissue may also form, preventing the shoulder joint from having the proper space to rotate normally. Symptoms of frozen shoulder typically include stiffness, pain or swelling in the shoulder. Gradually, the arm loses mobility, and reaching for an item may become impossible.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is a common and effective treatment for pain in the shoulder and shoulder rotator cuff pain. It’s also a non-invasive form of treatment. A physical therapist will perform an evaluation that includes strength and motion tests, and check for any weakness in the shoulder. X-rays may also be taken to identify the root cause of the shoulder pain as well as other conditions, such as arthritis.
Physical therapy services may include manual therapy, range-of-motion exercises, functional training, soft tissue massage and strengthening exercises. Manual techniques may include therapeutic modalities like ultrasound and iontophoresis. Depending on the type of shoulder injury and the extent of the injury, physical therapy may be needed for months. Physical therapists also help to educate patients on how to improve posture, improve gait and avoid future injury to the shoulder. Often, patients are given a home exercise program for lifelong protection and health of the shoulders.
The goal of a physical therapist is to provide shoulder pain relief, improve range of motion, improve flexibility and improve daily functionality. Call one of our physical therapy clinics in Mundelein, Hoffman Estates or Aurora to schedule your appointment today!