How your physical therapists in Owings Mills, MD, can help with shoulder pain
Your shoulders perform a lot of hard work. They help you move your arms, lift and manipulate objects, and push and pull things. It’s easy to overwork your shoulders, resulting in shoulder pain. Fortunately, your physical therapist knows just what to do to help diagnose the causes of your shoulder problem and ease the pain, so you can get back to enjoying your life.
The physical therapists at Maryland Center for Physical Therapy in Owings Mills, MD, provide a wide range of physical therapy services, including advanced treatment techniques for shoulder pain, weakness, and disability.
There are several common causes of shoulder pain, including:
- Rotator cuff tendon overuse or injury (tendonitis)
- Inflammation of the bursa in your upper shoulder (bursitis)
- Inflammation of the joints in your shoulder (arthritis)
- A sports injury, accident, or fall
- Muscle imbalance due to poor exercise selection or performance
If you are suffering from mild shoulder pain, you can try:
- Placing an ice pack on your shoulder for 15 minutes several times each day to limit swelling
- Applying warm, moist heat a few times each day to relax shoulder muscles and increase circulation for healing
- Stopping or modifying what causes your symptoms
- Checking with your primary care doctor before taking an over-the-counter pain anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain
If you are suffering from moderate to severe shoulder pain that doesn’t resolve or is getting worse, it’s time to see your physical therapist. Common professional interventions include:
- Assessment and diagnosis of your condition. If indicated you will be referred to your PCP or orthopedist
- Stretching and exercises, to increase flexibility and range-of-motion
- Modalities to boost circulation, reduce swelling and decrease pain
- Manual therapy techniques to increase joint mobility, relax or stretch your muscles and tendons, and relieve pain
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from enjoying your life. Relief is just a phone call away. To learn more about the causes and treatment of shoulder pain, call the physical therapists at Maryland Center for Physical Therapy in Owings Mills, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (410) 363-7123, so call today.