Myths About Shoulder Pain

In this blog, we will be discussing the myths about shoulder pain that we often hear.

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can have a wide variety of causes. The most common causes are injuries, overuse, and inflammation.

Injuries such as dislocations or rotator cuff tears can cause shoulder pain, while muscle imbalances caused by poor posture or incorrect biomechanics during activities such as weightlifting can lead to shoulder overuse and strain. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis can also cause shoulder pain.

If the root cause of shoulder pain is not identified and treated, the joint may become weaker and less stable which can reduce range of motion and lead to further injury or chronic pain.

It’s important to pay attention to any warning signs that something is wrong, such as tenderness, swelling, or heat in the area. Many shoulder injuries can become worse if not treated early on, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible.

Treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the cause and may include rest, physical therapy exercises, medications, cortisone injections, or surgery. Physical therapists can help diagnose and treat underlying causes of shoulder pain, and can also suggest ways to modify activities or provide alternate options to help protect the joint.

It’s important to understand that shoulder pain is a complex issue and requires an individualized approach for each patient. With the right treatment plan, you can get back to your regular activities with minimal disruption.

If you’re experiencing chronic shoulder pain, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about possible causes and treatments. It can be helpful to keep a log of when the pain occurs, as well as any activities or movements that may trigger it.

This information will help your healthcare provider accurately diagnose and treat your shoulder pain. Keeping up with regular exercise, including stretching and strengthening exercises, can also protect the joint and help keep it healthy. By taking care of your shoulder, you can prevent further pain and discomfort.

Myths About Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem that can lead to disability from work and cause activities of daily living (ADLs) to become difficult.

However, there are some myths regarding shoulder pain that should be dispelled in order to accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

One myth is that stretching the shoulder will help alleviate the pain. While stretching may reduce muscle tension, it does not necessarily reduce the underlying cause of shoulder pain. Instead, stretching should be part of an overall treatment plan with guided exercises and physical therapy to help reduce pain and improve movement.

Another myth is that rest is always beneficial for shoulder injuries or conditions. Rest may be necessary when a person has an acute injury in order to allow the body time to heal. However, rest alone is not enough as it can lead to further weakening of the shoulder muscles and reduced range of motion.

It is important to have a treatment plan that combines rest with physical therapy, guided exercises, and other treatments.

Finally, there is a myth that surgery is the only way to effectively address shoulder pain. While surgery may be necessary in some cases, it is not always the best option.

Depending on the cause of pain and its severity, other treatments such as physical therapy, guided exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications can be just as effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. It is important to discuss all available treatment options with your doctor before deciding which one is right for you.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Shoulder Pain And Identifying the Problem

Physical therapy is an important part of managing shoulder pain and can help to improve range of motion, strength, and function. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and restore normal movement and function.

Physical therapists are trained in evaluating posture, range of motion, muscle strength, joint stability, balance, coordination, gait mechanics, and other related impairments that may be contributing factors to shoulder pain.

Physical therapists can also provide education on proper posture and body mechanics, as well as exercises that will help improve the strength and stability of the shoulder joint. These exercises may include isometric strengthening, dynamic stretching, flexibility drills, balance activities, core strengthening, and therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

In addition to providing treatments to help reduce pain, physical therapists can also work with the patient to identify and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their shoulder pain.

Physical therapists are also knowledgeable about conditions of the shoulder joint such as impingement syndromes or rotator cuff tears. They can provide guidance on when it might be appropriate for a patient to seek further evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or other provider.

Physical therapists can also provide referrals to additional services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care that might be beneficial in providing relief from shoulder pain.

By taking a comprehensive approach to treating shoulder pain, physical therapists are well-equipped to help improve function and reduce discomfort associated with shoulder pain.

Through evaluation of the joint, assessment of posture and muscle strength, education on body mechanics, and provision of therapeutic exercises and treatments, physical therapists can help determine the cause of shoulder pain and provide an effective plan to reduce symptoms.

Physical therapy is an invaluable tool for treating shoulder pain; it can help restore normal movement and function while minimizing discomfort associated with shoulder pain.

Are You Worried That You Are Not Getting the Answers You Need To Treat Your Shoulder Pain?

Then make sure that you contact us at Physical Therapy for everyBODY to start the conversation on how to best treat these issues.

We understand that you want to stay active, do the things you love, and know that back pain can be frustrating. That is why we recommend that you come to see us so we can help you understand the best ways to keep active and enjoy life pain-free!

If you have aches, or pains, or just want to discuss how to keep the body healthy, we would love to invite you for a Free Shoulder Pain Assessment, which will enable you to get a full diagnosis and help you get answers on ways you can treat or prevent pain.

You can contact us by telephone at 425-658-4944 to claim your free shoulder pain assessment or by completing our inquiry form in under 30 seconds.

Other Free Resources To Help You

Read our blog – Is It Safe To Exercise With A Bad Back?

Read our blog – What Is Causing Me To Have Shoulder Pain?

Follow us on social media at Physical Therapy for Everybody Facebook Page and Physical Therapy for Everybody YouTube Channel.