Physical Therapy For Shoulder Pain

Physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain looks different for every patient, because everyone has a different history and different goals. Our priority at PT Central is to create a physical therapy experience that works best for you, and quickly and effectively relieves your shoulder pain.

From dislocations to degeneration, our staff is highly experienced in treating all kinds of shoulder injuries, and will be sure to have you pain free and active in no time!

Shoulder Pain Causes

There is a wide variety of shoulder injuries that can cause intense and long-term pain. One of the most common injuries is a rotator cuff tear, and can result from a sports injury, a fall, or even sustained overhead activity for a long period of time. Rotator cuff tears can be treated surgically in severe cases, but it is always a good idea to see a physical therapist before and after to surgery to prepare and recover. Another fairly common shoulder issue is an inflammatory condition called adhesive capsulitis that causes the shoulder to lock in place and makes movements very difficult and painful. The good news is a physical therapist can help! Step by step physical therapy treatment programs have been shown to eliminate shoulder pain in countless patients.

Exercises and Stretches for Shoulders

Shoulder discomfort can often be eliminated through a combination of stretching, strengthening, joint mobilization techniques and pain relief strategies. Proper and pain free movement at the shoulder joint requires a delicate balance of strength in different muscle groups. When a muscle is weakened or damaged, it is important to strengthen the entire shoulder complex in order to maintain or restore normal movement patterns. Additionally, if movement in the shoulder is restricted and painful due to a joint or capsular issue, a physical therapist can mobilize the joint to increase motion and decrease pain.

When to Get Physical Therapy Treatment

If you have been struggling with persistent shoulder pain for a while and nothing has seemed to help, seeing a physical therapist might be a good next step. If you are considering surgery, physical therapy before and after your procedure can shorten your recovery time and decrease postoperative pain. Shoulder discomfort can be discouraging, but our therapists at PT Central have the experience and training to walk through a comprehensive and unique treatment program designed specifically to address your needs. Visit a clinic in Oklahoma City, Edmond, or other surrounding cities to get relief from your shoulder pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:
1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.
If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.
During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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PT Central has the greatest therapists! The staff is kind, welcoming, and thoughtful. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

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Physical Therapy For Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Causes

Exercises and Stretches for Shoulders

When to Get Physical Therapy Treatment