Are you dealing with persistent shoulder pain? How about restricted shoulder mobility? Both can cause significant obstacles in everyday life, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. However, finding a lasting solution starts with understanding the causes of shoulder pain. That’s where the team at Total Care Physical Therapy comes in.
Your shoulder is a complex joint capable of all kinds of feats of mobility, but a lot can go wrong, too. Whether you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury or developed frozen shoulder, physical therapy plays a vital role in managing or resolving your condition.
Today, we want to explore some of the more common causes of shoulder pain and provide some insight into how our team of musculoskeletal experts can address those causes directly. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic pain, our physical therapists have the expertise to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
And if you’re currently dealing with shoulder pain, call our Hillsborough, NJ clinic today for more personalized guidance!
Revealing Some of the Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your shoulder joint is supported and stabilized by several muscles and tendons collectively known as the rotator cuff. Often, shoulder-related pain stems from issues with the rotator cuff, such as the following:
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- This condition occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed. It leads to a dull ache deep in the shoulder, pain when lifting the arm, and difficulty reaching behind the back. It typically develops due to repetitive shoulder movements.
Rotator Cuff Tear
- You can also tear the tissues in your rotator cuff, either partially or completely. Your symptoms will vary based on the severity of your tear but commonly include pain, shoulder weakness or instability, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.
Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched or compressed between shoulder bones. This causes a decreased range of motion and pain when lifting the arm above shoulder height or lying on the affected side.
Bursitis
- The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the tendons in the rotator cuff. If they become irritated or inflamed, it can lead to shoulder pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly when pressing on the shoulder or moving the arm.
Other Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Of course, a problem with your rotator cuff isn’t the only reason you might experience shoulder pain. Here are some other common shoulder issues the Total Care Physical Therapy team can help address:
Frozen Shoulder
- Frozen shoulder is a difficult condition that develops gradually. It starts with severe shoulder pain that eventually develops into an extremely restricted range of motion. After several months, both the pain and immobility fade. It’s caused by inflammation in the capsule of the shoulder joint.
Arthritis
- Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (the two most common types) can affect the shoulder joint. Both conditions cause inflammation, pain, and restricted mobility in the shoulder, although they develop for different reasons. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition.
Labral Tear
- Your labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps stabilize the joint. If it tears, you can experience deep shoulder pain, a catching or locking sensation in the shoulder, decreased range of motion, and a feeling of instability.
What’s Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
Understanding the causes of shoulder pain is crucial for seeking effective treatment. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone! The team at Total Care Physical Therapy has the skills, knowledge, and training to assess your symptoms, determine a root cause, and develop a personalized treatment program.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in managing shoulder issues by improving shoulder strength, mobility, and function. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!
