Physical Therapy for Common Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is one of the most unique joints in the body. It has the greatest range of motion, but the least stability—making it prone to injuries. If you’re dealing with a shoulder injury, physical therapy can help relieve pain and stiffness while restoring movement and strength.

We’ll review some common shoulder injuries and physical therapy techniques that can help you treat them.

Common Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common among adults of all ages at all activity levels. Some of the most common shoulder injuries include:

Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons and muscles. Repetitive motions and excessive pressure on a joint can cause bursae to become swollen or inflamed, resulting in bursitis, a painful condition that leaves you feeling stiff and achy.

Since bursae are an essential part of all joints, the condition can occur in several places, but it’s most common at joints that perform repetitive motions—like the shoulder. Physical therapy for shoulder bursitis can reduce swelling and stiffness to alleviate pain.

Swimmer’s Shoulder

Swimmer’s shoulder is an overuse injury. While this condition is common in swimmers because of the repetitive overhead motions associated with the sport, it can occur in others who engage in similar frequent, strenuous tasks.

With swimmer’s shoulder, the tendons in the shoulder become swollen and inflamed, putting pressure on nearby muscles and bones—causing discomfort and limited mobility. Physical therapy for swimmer’s shoulder can improve your range of motion and strengthen rotator cuff muscles.

Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Tears

SLAP tears occur when you tear the cartilage in the inner portion of your shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint—resulting in painful shoulder instability that limits movement. These tears are most common for people who play sports and can result from direct contact or overuse.

Minimally invasive surgery is the most common way to repair a SLAP tear. However, in some cases, physical therapy can strengthen supporting muscles in the shoulder to reestablish stability.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connect your shoulder blade to your arm—stabilizing your shoulder and allowing you to lift and rotate your arms. There are two different types of rotator cuff tears:

• Partial rotator cuff tears where one of the muscles or tendons is damaged or deteriorated
• Complete rotator cuff tears where the tear is so severe it goes all the way through the tendon, separating it from the bone

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries. They happen for many reasons, including repetitive motions in sports or work, injuries like a fall, and as a natural result of aging. Physical therapy for rotator cuff tears—especially partial tears—can strengthen muscles for improved stability. In some cases, shoulder surgery may be necessary.

Physical Therapy Techniques for Shoulder Pain

Physical therapy uses several modalities to ease pain, build strength and improve function—all to help you move more and feel better. When a shoulder injury is treated early, physical therapy can delay—or even eliminate—the need for surgery.

We’ll review some techniques that can help with your shoulder pain.

Stretches for Shoulder Pain

Stretching provides active recovery and rehabilitation. You can use these stretches to promote healing and pain relief while restoring function and movement.

Neck Release

This exercise gently eases tension in your neck and shoulders—making it a great way to start your physical therapy routine.

In a standing position, lower your chin to your chest. Slowly tilt your head to your left to stretch the right shoulder and hold the position for 30 seconds. Then, gently tilt your head back to the center of your chest and repeat on the opposite side. You can repeat three to five times on each side.

Chest Expansion

Also known as the “towel stretch,” the chest expansion stretch promotes flexibility and increases your range of motion.

While standing, hold a towel or an exercise band behind your back with both hands. Lift your arms behind your back, bringing your shoulder blades together. Hold the stretch in the highest position you can reach for 15 to 30 seconds. Then, gently return to your starting position. Repeat three to five times.

Pendulum or Shoulder Circles

Increase shoulder mobility gradually with this stretch. Stand and lean over slightly, allowing your injured arm to hang down. (You can use your other arm to brace yourself against a chair or table.)  Slowly swing the hanging, impacted arm in a small circle—about a foot in diameter. Complete 10 revolutions. Then, repeat in the opposite direction.

As symptoms improve, you can slowly increase the size of your circle, which in turn increases your range of motion.

Cold Therapy

Cold therapy helps treat swelling and inflammation. After completing physical therapy exercises, using an ice or cold pack on your shoulder can ease discomfort and reduce swelling. You should apply ice for a minimum of 10 minutes and no more than 20 minutes.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy offers several significant benefits when treating shoulder injuries. In a physical therapy setting, heat is often applied at the start of your session, loosening up tissue to improve flexibility and motion. Heat also eases pain, relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation—all of which promote healing.

Despite these great benefits, remember that heat therapy should never be used on a new injury or if there is an indication of swelling or inflammation. In these situations, heat can worsen your condition.

Hands-on Therapy

As the name implies, hands-on therapy is an approach where physical therapists use their hands to rehab an injured shoulder. The therapist uses specific pressure and massage techniques to relax muscles and mobilize the joint and soft tissue.

Looking for the best way to relieve your shoulder pain? Turn to the specialists at Orlin & Cohen. Our top-ranked shoulder specialists are backed by a comprehensive network of convenient in-house resources, including diagnostic imaging and physical therapy. Together, our specialists design a rehabilitation and treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, condition, and progress.

See how Orlin & Cohen can help you live your life free from shoulder pain. Request an appointment.