Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments at PDR Physical Therapy
The shoulder consists of several joints with the greatest range of motion in the human body. We are not aware of it, but it works almost all the time – when we walk, pick something up, read a book, or browse the internet on our phones. No wonder that ailments from the shoulder joint are quite common and, at the same time, very annoying, as they can make everyday activities extremely difficult. Both young people (especially those who practice sports) and seniors often complain about shoulder problems.
The Most Common Shoulder Complaints
- Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons. Injuries or ruptures may occur from a sudden jerk, but repetitive movements—such as those performed by indoor painters, volleyball players, or handball players—make the rotator cuff especially vulnerable to degenerative damage.
- Impingement syndrome: Lifting the arm overhead can cause painful compression of tendons or bursa from the shoulder bones. This may lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendinitis) or bursa (bursitis).
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Stiffening and thickening of the shoulder capsule, a strong connective tissue surrounding the joint, resulting in increasing pain and gradual loss of movement.
- Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis can cause fluid buildup in the joint, leading to shoulder pain.
- Instability of the acromioclavicular joint: Common in skiers or cyclists who fall on the shoulder at high speed. Instability often results from the dislocation of this small joint.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain at PDR
At our clinic, we successfully treat shoulder disorders (after ruling out other causes, such as lung or heart diseases) using the following techniques:
- Manual therapy: Mobilization techniques applied to a joint or soft tissue in a specific manner help restore full movement and decrease pain. We also use the advanced Fascial Counterstrain (FC) technique for faster and longer-lasting relief.
- Modalities: Cold laser, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or iontophoresis.
- Therapeutic exercises: Carefully selected arm and shoulder blade movements to prevent muscle atrophy, maintain or increase range of motion, and strengthen weak muscles.
- Kinesiotaping: Helps reduce muscle tension and soreness, alleviate pain, diminish swelling, and improve blood flow.
- Dietary supplementation: Injuries and degenerative changes in the shoulder joint may be caused by a lack of synovial fluid, leading to articular cartilage wear. Supplements containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate can help replenish these compounds.
- Lifestyle changes: Proper diet, stress management, correct posture, regular exercise, and other healthy habits support optimal shoulder health.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Shoulder Pain
In addition to our physical therapy treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing in shoulder injuries. Our chamber operates at 1.3 ATA with 93% oxygen, creating an optimal environment for tissue repair and recovery.
Insurance coverage: HBOT treatment may be covered by insurance, depending on your policy. We recommend verifying with your provider before starting therapy.
Get Relief from Shoulder Pain Today
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. At PDR Physical Therapy, we combine advanced techniques such as Fascial Counterstrain and HBOT with personalized treatment plans to help you regain mobility and enjoy a pain-free life.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey toward healthier shoulders.
