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Effective Treatment for Shoulder Pain

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Shoulder Pain

Pain or stiffness in the shoulder may seem like no big deal, but can actually turn into tens of thousands of dollars in surgery if left untreated...

What causes shoulder pain? Well shoulder pain is often caused by overuse, injury, or even believe it or not... poor posture. As a person ages, natural wear and tear takes place in the shoulder joint and the rotator cuff tendon. This may eventually lead to severe pain, and expensive pills and surgery to try and solve the problem.

The good news is that symptoms may be alleviated and range of motion may be restored with appropriate shoulder pain therapy and range of motion exercises. This noninvasive treatment is a great alternative to costly pills and surgery and can help you quickly resume your day-to-day activities free from discomfort.

PUT THE NEEDLE DOWN!:

Don’t let you doctor give you that drug or needle without first learning how to solve your shoulder pain for good and keep it away! If over the counter meds, cool packs, and heat don’t help it’s time for something better.

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Shoulder Pain

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is usually a result of rotator cuff tendinitis. This condition is characterized by swollen tendons. At other times, shoulder pain may actually be referred pain from an injury in another part of the body, usually the neck or biceps.

Other causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Swollen bursa sacs or tendons

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder

  • Injury due to overuse or repetitive use

  • Heart attack

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Dislocated shoulder

  • Broken shoulder or arm bone

  • Bone spurs

  • Arthritis

  • A torn labrum or rotator cuff

Shoulder Pain Causes

Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, you may have the following symptoms:

  • Weakness of the shoulder or upper arm

  • A tingling sensation or burning pain

  • Lack of movement following a shoulder dislocation

  • Intense pain in the back or front of the shoulder, deep in the shoulder joint, and the upper arm

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain

A comprehensive examination will need to be performed to find the exact cause of shoulder pain. Doctors will check for swelling, tenderness, physical abnormalities, and muscle weakness. Your shoulder’s range of motion and strength will also be observed.

In some cases, specific imaging tests may be performed. These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, arthrograms, arthroscopy, and electrical studies.

Traditional Treatments

the doctor give medicine to the patient for pain

Doctors may recommend the following solutions for people suffering from shoulder pain.

  • Medications– Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve shoulder pain and inflammation. Numbing medicines or steroids may also be injected to relieve pain.

  • Surgery– Arthroscopy is often performed to eliminate scar tissue or repair torn tissues. Meanwhile, open procedures are recommended for larger reconstructions or shoulder replacement.

Check out this video of Shoulder Pain relief strategies: https://youtu.be/7fgSDXocEV0

 

We have online courses and a number of books (including one on Shoulder Pain Relief) available for Free by Clicking Here.

Superior Physical Therapy

Unfortunately, medications and surgical procedures are found to work only 45% of the time.

Unlike traditional treatments, our Superior Method reveals the root cause of pain to develop treatment plans that may include the following options:

  • Full-body Movement Assessment

    The most important element of healing is identifying the cause. The cause is a movement disorder somewhere else in the body that is creating more stress in the injured area than the tissue can handle. A full body movement assessment is the most important aspect in finding the true cause. This involves assessing how mobile and stable the areas above and below the injured tissues are.  Once the dysfunctional areas are identified the physical therapist can then prescribe home treatments to fix the problem areas. 

  • Hands-on Therapy with Movement

    In order to improve motion in the dysfunctional areas that are causing the increased stress on the painful injured tissues the most effect way to make a change in the body is to have a physical therapist use their hands to facilitate the proper motion while you are moving at the same time. This helps improve the path the body takes in order to reduce stress and tenson on the injured area.  

  • Prescriptive Home Exercise Program

    The Superior Method aims to educate patients on how the body moves to safely ease pain and restore function.

    With our smartphone app called Movement RX, we empower patients with the knowledge and tools needed to attain long-term physical freedom. All of the instructions provided by your physician will also be video-recorded and sent directly to your email or mobile device.

  • Applied Functional Science

    This principles-based method is designed to improve how the mind, body, and spirit work together to facilitate complete healing. All Superior Physical Therapy providers are Fellows of Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute. This organization is led by the reputable physical therapist, Dr. Gary Gray.

  • man in t shirt feeling pain
  • Deep Muscle Stimulation

    Mechanical vibrations that penetrate deep into the muscle tissue enable tissue regeneration and improve the lactic cycle, which is one of the most common causes of pain. The procedure also helps boost circulation and lymphatic flow to alleviate pain.

  • McKenzie Therapy

    The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a distinguished and internationally researched method of diagnosis and treatment for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal conditions. Created by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, this system has been used globally for over 60 years.

    MDT-certified clinicians assess and treat all types of musculoskeletal disorders including complications in the spine, muscles, tendons, and extremity joints.

  • shoulder blade or scapula bone physical therapy

    Book Your Free Zero Risk Consultation Today

    Say goodbye to shoulder pain with the Superior Method. Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our specialist, Dr. Andrew Gorecki, to learn more about our treatment plans. Dial 231.944.6541 or request a consultation today.

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    Contact Information
    Office Hours: 
    7am - 7pm Monday to Friday
    Superior Physical Therapy (West) 
    3899 West Front St., 
    Traverse City, MI 49684
    Superior Physical Therapy & Spine Center (Central) 
    722 Munson Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
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