The Role of Physical Therapy in Shoulder Pain Management

Shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. A common shoulder condition is a rotator cuff tear, which occurs when one or more of the tendons or muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint are torn. Physical therapy is a part of pain management plans to improve shoulder joint function over time. These structured exercise programs address an individual’s specific needs, focusing on areas like muscle strength, joint flexibility, and range of motion. Here’s more information on the role of physical therapy in rotator cuff pain management plans:

Strengthening Muscles

A key component of many physical therapy programs for rotator cuff tear pain involves strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder joint and upper back. By building strength in these specific areas, the shoulder may gain improved stability and support during movement. The exercises are progressive, meaning they can be adjusted in intensity as your condition changes.

Physical therapists often focus on the muscles surrounding the shoulder blade, as these muscles anchor the shoulder and provide a stable base for arm movements. Exercises designed to target these muscles might include V arm raises, standing shoulder rows, and wing flaps. V arm raises begin in a standing position, where the arms are outstretched in front of you. While keeping your thumbs pointed up, make a “V” shape with your hands. Raise your arms up above your head, then hold that position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. For these and other strength exercises, a therapist can guide you through them safely.

Some signs you have a rotator cuff injury include symptoms like:

• Clicking Sensations or Sounds When Moving
• Weakness or Pain When Moving
• Struggling To Lift Items
• Worsening Pain at Night

Improving Flexibility

Improving shoulder flexibility is another fundamental aspect of physical therapy. Stiffness in the muscles and tissues around the shoulder can contribute to discomfort and limit function, so targeted routines are often used to enhance the pliability of these structures. A physical therapist may incorporate specific stretching and posture training to address these limitations.

Proper posture aligns the shoulder joint correctly. This positioning helps reduce unnecessary strain on the rotator cuff and surrounding tissues during exercises. Corrective exercises, like the bent arm stretch, can facilitate gentle, controlled movements that support flexibility without overstressing the joint.

Restore Range of Motion

After an injury or with chronic pain, a shoulder’s range of motion can become restricted, making simple tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back difficult. Physical therapy employs various techniques aimed at gently restoring this mobility. A therapist may guide you through specific movements, and they often teach you how to perform these exercises at home. Some common methods include using a cane or stick to help lift the arms overhead in a controlled manner. This exercise is known as an over-the-head stretch. Up-the-back stretches also utilize a cane to improve your shoulder’s range of motion and ability to turn inward and outward.

Schedule a Rotator Cuff Tear Consultation

Rotator cuff injuries can limit shoulder movement, affecting various aspects of your daily routine. If you have concerns about shoulder pain or suspect a rotator cuff tear, contact an orthopedic specialist for more information. A thorough evaluation may help determine the most appropriate next steps for your unique situation. 

• Navigating Healthy Weight Loss During Life Changes
• Candizi – Where Wellness Meets Delicious Simplicity
• EO PIS – Executive Operations Performance Indicator System Explained
• A 2022. Évi Téli Paralimpia Megnyitó Ceremóniája – A Grand Opening Beyond Sports
• Understanding the Services Offered at Aesthetic Centers