We use our shoulders throughout the day, often in ways we don’t consider–such as brushing our hair or pulling open a car door. This becomes abundantly clear when you develop shoulder pain, whether from an injury or a chronic condition like arthritis. Fortunately, physiotherapy for shoulder pain is an effective, evidence-based approach to finding relief and regaining mobility.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, the team at Equilibrium Therapeutics is here to help! We take a holistic approach that addresses the underlying reasons for your shoulder pain. Let’s explore some of the causes now–plus examine what techniques physiotherapy for shoulder pain offers to help you find relief.
What Are the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?
Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Tears, strains, or inflammation in the rotator cuff—the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder—can cause pain and limited mobility.
Frozen Shoulder
- This condition involves stiffness and pain due to inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint capsule. It develops in stages, with the first stage marked by severe pain, the second stage marked by restricted mobility, and the third stage by a decrease in both.
Tendonitis and Bursitis
- Overuse or repetitive movements can lead to inflammation in the shoulder’s tendons (tendonitis) or the cushioning sacs around the shoulder joint (bursitis).
Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause shoulder pain due to joint degeneration and/or inflammation.
How Physiotherapy Addresses Shoulder Pain
Finding the Root Cause
We want to help you find lasting relief from shoulder pain, so that means addressing more than just your acute symptoms. Here’s how we do it:
Comprehensive Assessment
- We’ll start by evaluating your range of motion, strength, and shoulder alignment to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Tailored Treatment Plans
- We then use the information from our assessment to create a customized treatment plan that addresses the specific issues causing your discomfort, ensuring effective and targeted care.
Resolving the Underlying Issues
- Our approach focuses on improving joint function, muscle balance, and posture, which can help reduce the likelihood of recurring shoulder pain.
What’s Involved in Our Treatment Plans?
Physiotherapy for shoulder pain combines various evidence-based techniques to reduce pain and enhance function, such as the following:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization, help restore mobility in stiff joints and improve blood flow to support your body’s healing processes.
Pain Management Modalities
Depending on your needs, we may include treatments like heat or ice therapy to help reduce acute pain.
Therapeutic Exercises
Customized exercises play a key role in strengthening and stabilizing the shoulder. These may include:
- Stretching exercises to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in the shoulder joint.
- Strengthening exercises targeting the muscles that support the shoulder joint.
- Functional movements that mimic everyday activities to ensure a smooth return to regular tasks.
Postural Training
Improper posture can strain the shoulders and exacerbate pain. We’ll help you recognize and correct poor postural habits.
Start Working Toward Shoulder Pain Relief
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right program from our Victoria, BC physiotherapists, you can work to regain strength, mobility, and comfort.
Ready to explore how physiotherapy for shoulder pain can help you? Schedule your initial assessment today!
