Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is a highly mobile joint in the body with the head of the humerus articulating with the scapula which in turn is connected to the axial skeleton through the clavicle. However, this increased mobility comes at the cost of stability leading to pain and disability. Structures commonly involved are the rotator cuff muscles/tendons, glenoid labrum, capsule and scapular stabilizer muscles.

CAUSES

Increased repetitive stress to the joint as in sporting activities

Faulty posture of the head, neck and trunk

Muscular imbalance of the shoulder girdle

Fall/Injury and motor vehicle accident

CONDITIONS COMMONLY SEEN

Supraspinatus impingement

 Rotator cuff tear

SICK scapula

Labral tears causing Bankart’s and SLAP lesions

Frozen shoulder from capsular adhesions.

PT MANAGEMENT

Promoting stability of the shoulder girdle

Movement re-education of shoulder motions to prevent impingement/tendinosis

Improving Strength and conditioning and range of motion

Improving joint/soft tissue mobility to enhance quality of life

Pain control