The shoulder joint is a remarkable one. It’s incredibly mobile – at least when things are going right. But when they don’t, physiotherapy for shoulder pain is invariably either the answer on its own or a valuable addition to other surgical or non-surgical treatments.
Have you ever thought about how much muscle is associated with our shoulders? The skeletal joint itself is very weak and the muscles ensure that it can function properly. However, things can go wrong with your shoulders even when your shoulder muscles are strong. Imbalances can lead to injuries, and the joint is the weakest link.
Common Shoulder Pain Conditions
Aside from strained or aching muscles, problems with the shoulder itself include:
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Fractured shoulder joint
- Arthritis
The good news is that physiotherapy can help for all these shoulder problems, but the bad news is that it isn’t always enough. Sometimes, the problem with the shoulder joint must first be surgically corrected. Then, the physiotherapist can work with the patient to restore movement and build strength.
What Should You Do if You Have Shoulder Pain?
If your pain is severe or sustained, you should see a doctor about your shoulder injury. If you suspect a fracture or have frozen shoulder, head for the emergency room. Talk to your doctor about physiotherapy, especially if surgery is recommended or your doctor predicts a long recovery time.
However, there’s nothing to stop you from approaching a physiotherapist without a doctor’s recommendation. If you’re struggling with a shoulder injury and want our perspective, feel free to make an appointment.
What Your Physiotherapist Will Do For Your Shoulder Pain
Physiotherapists will choose in-office techniques for immediate pain relief. They will also show you how to live with your injury in such a way that it is able to heal. But as a physiotherapy patient, you take responsibility for your recovery – and that includes doing exercises at home to build the vital muscles.
At first, your physiotherapist will probably see you at fairly frequent intervals to assess whether you’re on track and how you’re responding to the treatment. Then, your visits will be more infrequent as you take charge of the recovery process and your body begins to heal.
Does Physiotherapy For Shoulder Pain Really Help?
Our skeletal system and our muscles work together to enable movement. Although physiotherapy can’t do anything directly to the bones or the mechanics of the shoulder joint, it helps to build the vital muscular support without which our skeletal system would just be a collection of bones.
Physiotherapy techniques for shoulder pain are accepted in evidence-based medicine, and current research is underway in the hope of securing further advances in our collective knowledge.
Do You Have Persistent Shoulder Pain?
A lot of people suffer from constant, low-level shoulder pain. It’s not so bad that they feel the need to see a doctor, but it’s painful enough to warrant the occasional painkiller, and it’s always there.
If this is you, you should get help. And if you don’t want to take anything so obviously un-life-threating to your doctor, then bring it to us. Pain destroys quality of life. Physical therapy can end pain. The conclusion is obvious. Call us for an appointment.
