Have you been struggling with shoulder pain for three months or longer? That’s the point at which pain officially becomes “chronic,” and managing it can be a challenge–but finding the right approach can make all the difference. Fortunately, physical therapy offers a wealth of chronic shoulder pain treatments, and our dedicated team will find the right ones for your needs.
Unlike acute shoulder pain, which has a clear and identifiable cause, chronic shoulder pain can be more complex and multifaceted. It often involves physical, psychological, and neurological factors; the pain signals become ingrained in the nervous system, leading to persistent discomfort even after an initial injury has healed.
This type of pain requires a comprehensive treatment approach, focusing not only on relieving pain but also on improving shoulder function and preventing future issues. Our PTs have experience helping patients with chronic shoulder pain, using a blend of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and more–all tailored to your needs and conditions.
If you’re struggling with chronic shoulder pain, physical therapy offers a personalized and effective approach to pain management. Keep reading to learn more about the chronic shoulder pain treatments we offer at our Hillsborough, NJ clinic.
What Can Cause Chronic Shoulder Pain?
There are several common shoulder injuries that, if left untreated, can develop into chronic shoulder pain, including the following:
Rotator Cuff Injuries
- The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder. Tears or inflammation in this area can lead to ongoing pain and weakness.
Bursitis
- This condition occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones in your shoulder become inflamed.
Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched or compressed during shoulder movements, causing pain and restricting motion.
However, some conditions can cause long-term shoulder pain:
Shoulder Arthritis
- Arthritis causes inflammation in the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness. It has no cure, but you can manage the symptoms with physical therapy. Both osteoarthritis (which results from degeneration of the cartilage in a joint) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) can affect the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder
- This condition develops in three stages and can last up to three years. The first stage is marked by severe shoulder pain, which lessens as you enter the second stage, in which your shoulder’s range of motion becomes severely restricted. Both symptoms diminish in the third stage.
What to Expect From Chronic Shoulder Pain Treatments
The first step in managing chronic shoulder pain is understanding what’s causing it. That’s why we always begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the root cause of your pain. This includes assessing your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and function. From there, we’ll create your customized treatment program, focusing on the most effective interventions and strategies tailored to your needs.
Physical therapy for chronic shoulder pain typically involves a combination of techniques:
Manual Therapy
- These hands-on techniques include shoulder joint mobilizations and soft tissue manipulation. They can manage pain and improve the mobility and function of your shoulder.
Pain-Relieving Modalities
- We might incorporate methods like ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to reduce inflammation and promote healing, and electrical stimulation, which helps in pain management and muscle activation.
Therapeutic Exercises
- Targeted exercises help strengthen the rotator cuff (muscles and tendons that wrap and support the shoulder) and upper back. Doing so helps support and stabilize the shoulder, reducing pain and preventing future injuries.
Self-Management Strategies
- Managing chronic pain effectively means addressing it outside the clinic, too. We’ll help you identify strategies, such as relaxation techniques, postural corrections, or movement modifications, that help you address your chronic shoulder pain.
Practical Approaches for Managing Chronic Shoulder Pain
Choosing Total Care Physical Therapy for chronic shoulder pain treatments means you’ll receive care based on proven methods and tailored to what works best for you. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your appointment today.
