Shoulder Pain Relief

The rotator cuff is a group of four upper arm muscles that dynamically stabilize the shoulder and play an important role in shoulder and arm movements. Rotator cuff injury symptoms include shoulder pain, arm weakness, difficulty reaching behind the back, and sleeping difficulties. Although some mild rotator cuff injuries can heal on their own, physical therapy can help ensure that your condition is fully resolved and that future problems are avoided without the need for surgery. If surgery is required, however, physical therapy will be an essential part of the recovery process!

Shoulder impingement is a condition in which a rotator cuff tendon or tendons become pinched as they pass between the top of the upper arm (humerus) and the tip of the shoulder blade (acromion). Impingement symptoms include pain, weakness, catching, and an inability to fully move the shoulder joint, particularly when raising your arms overhead or to the side. Sleep is frequently disrupted due to difficulty lying on the painful side. This condition is usually caused by a combination of factors such as poor posture and muscle weakness, degenerative changes, and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, our Sugar Land, Bellaire & Stafford, TX physical therapy clinic can assist you with any of these issues!

Tendonopathy is any problem involving a tendon, such as a disease, injury, or disorder. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the shoulder tendons, which includes the rotator cuff and biceps tendons. Acute injuries, such as minor or partial tearing, can cause the inflammatory response seen in tendonitis. Tendinosis is a term that describes a dysfunctional tendon but does not usually specify the pathological process. This condition is linked to overuse injuries and degenerative changes that cause micro-tearing and pain. These tendon injuries are not caused by inflammation, and anti-inflammatory medications may cause them to heal more slowly! When tendons are injured or inflamed, any movement can cause pain or make you feel weak, mainly by raising your arm to the side or overhead.

The two most common types of shoulder arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both cause cartilage deterioration in the shoulder joint. The worse the degeneration, the more difficult daily tasks become. Osteoarthritis affects both active and inactive people. Although the majority of cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause, arthritis frequently develops following a traumatic event and/or repetitive stresses following an injury. There is also evidence that a genetic component increases your risk of developing this condition. Regardless of how it begins, it usually results in articular cartilage loss, pain, and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the membranes that surround the shoulder joint. Inflammation and discomfort are both symptoms of this condition.

In shoulder instability, the ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) moves completely or partially out of the socket (shoulder blade). The most common causes of shoulder instability are when the capsule (the lining of the shoulder joint), ligaments, or labrum become stretched, torn, or detached.

A labral tear occurs when the cartilage ring in the shoulder joint is injured. Some labral tears increase the risk of partial and complete shoulder dislocation.

The following are some symptoms of a labral tear:

• Pain and/or catching with specific shoulder joint movements
• Typically a dull throbbing ache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Partial or full dislocations of the shoulder joint

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) causes stiffness, loss of range of motion, and pain in the shoulder joint. Symptoms usually appear gradually and worsen over time. Most symptoms go away on their own after one to three years. If you have pain, loss of motion, and a constant feeling of tightness in your shoulder joint, you may have a frozen shoulder and need a physical therapist to help you recover!