Shoulder pain is a common concern, often linked to the term “rotator cuff” – a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and control shoulder movement. When any of these tendons are compromised, you can experience pain with certain shoulder motions. Understanding the potential causes of shoulder pain can help you take the right steps toward recovery.

Common Shoulder Injuries and Their Causes

1. Impingement:
   Shoulder impingement happens when a tendon or nerve becomes pinched during movement. This can result in sharp, electric shock-like pains, often accompanied by numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand. The pain tends to be brief but intense and can worsen if not addressed.
2. Rotator Cuff Tear:
   Tears in the rotator cuff tendons can be classified into two types:
   • Complete Tear: The tendon is torn all the way through, often requiring surgery. While pain may subside after the injury, it's important not to ignore it, as the tear can still affect shoulder function.
   • Partial Tear: The tendon is torn partially. Surgery may not always be necessary, and physical therapy is often the first course of action to improve movement and strength. If adequate progress isn’t made, surgery might be considered later.
3. Tendonitis:
   Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive motions. This condition can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty with shoulder movement. Over time, if untreated, it can lead to frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), making rehabilitation more difficult.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing shoulder pain, whether you're dealing with impingement, a tear, or tendonitis. A physical therapist will assess your shoulder to determine the exact cause of your discomfort. They’ll then tailor a treatment plan to restore movement, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. In many cases, physical therapy can provide enough improvement to avoid surgery altogether.

Why Waiting for Surgery Might Not Be the Best Option

Some people may think, "I’ll just wait until I need surgery," but this approach can be risky. Continuing to use an injured shoulder may worsen the condition, leading to more severe damage that requires a longer, more complex recovery. Additionally, compensating for the pain by using other parts of your body can cause new injuries, which further complicates healing.

Pre-surgery physical therapy has been shown to improve post-surgery recovery outcomes, helping patients regain strength and mobility more quickly. It can also minimize the need for extensive therapy after surgery, getting you back to your normal routine faster.

“My recovery was much smoother than friends and family who had a similar procedure. I feel fortunate to have had physical therapy both prior and after surgery.”
– Bruce O. (Prehab & rehab patient)

The Road to Recovery

Even after surgery, physical therapy is necessary to rebuild strength and restore function to your shoulder. Surgery alone can’t do that, and we’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery process. If you're experiencing shoulder pain or limited mobility, click here and schedule a FREE consultation with us today.