If you have shoulder pain, you may have difficulty doing overhead movements. Even the simple task of gardening, putting on your shirt or combing your hair makes it difficult for you. Physical therapy can help you manage your shoulder pain and help you get back to your regular activities.
There are several causes of shoulder pain. Here I will mention a few: rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, arthritis and sports injuries.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff (RC) is a group of muscles that work together to provide stability to the shoulder and rotate the shoulder joint. Injuries happen when any of your main shoulder muscles or their tendons are stretched or ruptured. You can injure your rotator cuff from overuse. These muscles can also be affected by other health problems such as arthritis or be a result of falling on outstretched hand.
Common RC problems include
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Tear
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, occurs when moving the shoulder is difficult due to pain and stiffness. It can be caused by an arthritic condition; lack of use due to pain; abnormal growth of tissue in or around the shoulder joint; or lack of joint fluid.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in your shoulder. Two of the most common types of arthritis affecting the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissue lining the surfaces of your bones in a joint is damaged, which is associated with wear and tear. This can result in the bone ends rubbing against each other damaging the bones and causing pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease affecting two or more joints. This autoimmune disease can affect other structures such as the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Common Shoulder Injuries in Sports
There are a variety of shoulder injuries that a sports enthusiast may experience. Some of the common shoulder injuries in sports are the following: Shoulder Separation, Shoulder Dislocation, Fractured Clavicle and Rotator Cuff Injuries.
Some shoulder injuries may lead to stiffness in shoulder movement.
An expert evaluation by your physical therapist is necessary to find out what is causing your pain. Your physical therapist may also provide you with an exercise program that you can do to help speed up your recovery and help you determine whether you can return to your full activities.
Call Dr. Richardson for more information or to make an appointment for a complete assessment.
Tel #: (264) 772-3546
Via email: GinaRichardsonDPT@gmail.com
