By Devin Wurman, DPT
It’s pretty common for different joints to feel sore after repetitive use over even just a short period of time and the shoulder is no exception. Your shoulder is a joint that is very mobile and is made up of multiple muscles, which attach to the bones via tendons. Those muscles and tendons, the rotator cuff, are notorious for getting inflamed and becoming painful with overuse. In addition, as we get older, usually in our 50’s and 60’s, it’s common to find arthritis in the joint. This is just from wear and tear over time.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself or someone you know who has had a shoulder problem:
- Is it painful to reach overhead into the kitchen cabinet or to change a light bulb?
- Does it hurt to try to put a shirt on when getting dressed?
- Are you experiencing pain trying to wash your hair or your back?
- Are you unable to lie on your side to sleep?
- Does your shoulder hurt when you try to carry groceries?
- Does your shoulder feel sore and stiff when you get up in the morning, but improves as the day goes on?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may have a shoulder problem. It is important to be mindful of your pain as early on as possible. This will ensure that your shoulder receives the proper attention it needs to get better instead of worse.
Physical therapy is commonly prescribed for shoulder pain and stiffness, and if caught early enough, physical therapy can prevent you from having to take more non-conservative approaches to dealing with your pain. These other alternatives are often injections and/or surgery.
At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, our physical therapists can assess the issue you are having and determine right away what may be causing your pain and what can be done to help make it better. Time will be spent educating you on your problem and explaining how it can improve with therapy. Exercises will be given to address strength and range of motion impairments and hands on techniques will be used to decrease pain and improve mobility. Don’t let shoulder pain prevent you from doing the activities you enjoy. Call our office at 703-450-4300 and schedule an appointment today.
CLICK HERE for more on how physical therapy can help you.
