Shoulder and elbow pain can significantly impact your daily activities, making even the simplest tasks challenging and uncomfortable. No matter the type of pain you are experiencing, finding practical solutions to alleviate your pain is crucial. At Premier Physical Therapy, we understand the impact of shoulder and elbow pain on your quality of life. Our team of experienced physical therapists are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
Understanding Shoulder and Elbow Pain
Shoulder and elbow pain can be caused by various factors, ranging from poor posture and inflammation to sports-related injuries. You may notice that your shoulders feel tired and sore at the end of each day due to posture problems that cause inflammation. Alternatively, you might have injured your shoulder while engaging in sports activities that involve throwing. Regardless of the cause, our Premier Physical Therapy team focuses on treating the root cause of your shoulder pain through accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Types of Shoulder and Elbow Pain Problems
Tendon Inflammation or Tear – Overuse, repetitive motions, or aging can lead to inflammation or tears in the tendons, such as the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder or the tendons around the elbow joint.
- Arthritis – Both shoulder and elbow joints can be affected by arthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and reduce range of motion.
- Tennis Elbow – Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is characterized by pain on the outer side of the elbow, often caused by repetitive arm movements.
- Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, can lead to shoulder or elbow pain.
- Throwing Injuries – Athletes involved in sports like baseball or tennis may experience shoulder or elbow pain due to repetitive throwing motions, leading to conditions like rotator cuff tears or ulnar collateral ligament injuries.
- Instability – Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint is prone to dislocation or subluxation, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Fracture – Traumatic injuries, such as a fall or direct impact, can result in fractures in the shoulder or elbow, causing intense pain and immobility.
Recovering from Shoulder and Elbow Pain: Non-Surgical Solutions at Premier Physical Therapy
Shoulder and elbow pain can significantly impact your daily life. At Premier Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-surgical treatment methods to help you regain strength, mobility, and pain-free movement.
Our approach begins with a thorough diagnosis. We may utilize imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs to pinpoint the source of your pain. Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.
Here’s how physical therapy can help:
- Targeted Exercises and Stretches: Our physical therapists will design a program to strengthen the muscles surrounding your shoulder or elbow, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. These exercises will gradually increase in intensity as you progress.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage can help improve joint range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.
- Modalities: We may utilize modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and promote tissue healing.
- Education: Our therapists will educate you on proper posture, body mechanics, and pain management techniques to help you prevent future injuries and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment
Physical therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
- Avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
- Addressing the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.
- Promoting long-term healing and injury prevention.
If surgery is necessary to treat your condition, our team at Lake Pointe Orthopaedics specialize in minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy. This procedure allows for quicker recovery and minimal scarring, helping you get back to your daily activities sooner.