There are numerous causes of chronic shoulder pain. One thing is certain: without treatment, dealing with shoulder pain can make performing daily tasks nearly impossible.

If you or a loved one is suffering from shoulder pain, please contact us right away to learn how physical therapy can help relieve (or even eliminate) your symptoms!

How Does Shoulder Pain Occur?

Most people go about their daily lives without giving much thought to how they use their shoulders. Did you know that your shoulders do a lot of work to help you with everyday tasks? If you injure or strain them, you will almost certainly experience severe shoulder pain.

The following are five of the most common causes of shoulder pain:

1. Tendon Tears

If you experience an acute injury or have a degenerative condition, the result can be a torn tendon in your shoulder. The natural aging process, overuse, and random injuries can often cause split or torn tendons as well. Regardless of whether a patient has experienced a partial or full tendon tear, the pain can be searing and require regular appointments with a physical therapist in our clinic.

2. Tendinitis

A torn tendon in your shoulder can occur as a result of an acute injury or a degenerative condition. Natural aging, overuse, and random injuries can all result in split or torn tendons. Whether a patient has a partial or complete tendon tear, the pain can be excruciating and necessitates regular appointments with a physical therapist in our clinic.

Consider this: if you are a tennis player or a professional painter, you may be at high risk of developing tendonitis in your shoulder. This is because you perform the same repetitive motions every day while playing your sport or working. Those who are at high risk of developing this condition should be aware of the importance of not only visiting a physical therapist on a regular basis, but also resting their shoulders frequently to avoid chronic pain.

3. Bursitis

The shoulder is a highly complex network of moving parts. This makes it a fairly complex joint! The bursa is one of the main components of the shoulder, and it contains small fluid-filled sacs that work to keep the joint lubricated. Bursitis can develop if the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated in any way. This will necessitate the services of a physical therapist as soon as possible!

4. Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that develops after an injury or in conjunction with another shoulder condition. Frozen shoulder accounts for 2% of all cases of shoulder pain, according to the National Institute of Health. To avoid developing scar tissue in the shoulder, most physical therapists advise patients with frozen shoulders to rest frequently in between physical therapy appointments.

If scar tissue does form, the muscles surrounding the shoulder may eventually freeze up as well. This will restrict your full range of motion and cause chronic pain.

5. Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the top part of the shoulder blade lifts away from the body, putting too much pressure on the underlying soft tissues in the arm. The shoulder blade rubs against the bursa and tendons as the arm lifts. An impingement in the shoulder can lead to bursitis and/or tendinitis if left untreated.

Physical Therapy Can Provide Fast Relief for Shoulder Pain

If you have recurring or chronic shoulder pain, it is critical that you see a physical therapist as soon as possible. Physical therapy is a natural and safe treatment option that can help patients of all ages recover from shoulder injuries.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition, determine the source of your pain, and develop a customized comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

There’s no need to spend a fortune on expensive surgeries or over-the-counter medications to get rid of shoulder pain. It is simple to return to a pain-free state. Call our offices today (302) 234-2288 to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder pain and to get started on the road to pain-free living!