Physical therapy aims to alleviate your shoulder pain symptoms that might have been caused by a number of different factors. Specifically, no matter what causes the pain, if the underlying condition is not duly treated, it could result in a life-long menace for the patient in the form of irreparable injuries and asymmetries which could ultimately lead to a total loss of function.
If we look at the structure of our shoulder, like any other joint, it is also a complex structure with a modified ball and socket joint, clavicle, and the scapula. There are many muscles and ligaments attached to these parts that aid in the overall movement of our shoulders.
The causes of shoulder pain such as intense gaming such as playing golf inappropriately, swimming, or playing cricket result in over activity of the parts mentioned above and this, in turn, leads to the pinching of the tendons and nerve networks surrounding them. However, not only this, a certain trauma such as a brutal accident could also lead to the pain. In short, if we summarize the different causes, they are:
- Biceps Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder Fracture
No matter how serious the condition of your shoulder pain is, the solution can always come in the form of physical therapy.
How can physical therapy help shoulder pain?
In the process, a definite assessment of the condition takes place. First, we ask detailed questions to learn about your situation (past, present as well as future goals). We then assess your overall function through a comprehensive approach which includes assessment of your cervical and thoracic spine, other potentially related areas and then narrowing in on your shoulder, scapula, and rotator cuff musculature. We measure your range of motion, strength and overall movement patterns. As needed, a series of special tests are performed. The visit includes initiation of treatment and an explanation of our findings and plan for future success. Other options include our Functional Movement Screen or Golf Swing Analysis.
When all of the tests and assessments are completed, based on their results, we devise certain exercises and treatments that are focused on improving the strength and the mobility of your shoulder.
The following key tests are a part of the assessment process, as said above.
Functional Movement Screen
This technique is used to detect any asymmetries in the movement of your body including your shoulders. All of the movement patterns that are a part of the examination are designed to look deeper into the performance of locomotive, stabilizing, and manipulative movements.
There are 7 basic movement patterns that are assessed by Functional Movement Screen and the one used to detect shoulder behavior is called Shoulder Mobility.
Golf Swing Analysis
Not stated above, one of the causes of pain for golf players is a faulty swing that could cause the excessive use of one part of the shoulder than the rest. Therefore, sensing this, there is a dire need for any golfer to assess his or her swing in order to stay on the safe side. While you could perform them yourself, we use special assessment techniques that aim at looking at the performance of your body, especially your shoulders, when you swing your golf club.
This basic yet important aspect of Golf Swing Analysis has saved many golf players from the lifelong pain of their shoulders and it could save you too.
BreakThrough specializes in analyzing the causes for your shoulder pain and in devising special therapies to eradicate it. No matter your sport or activity, if your pain does not resolve within a 3-5 days on its own, we are here for you.