Understanding Shoulder Pain: A Complex Problem
Your shoulders play a role in almost every movement you make — from reaching for a glass to lifting a bag or simply getting dressed. When pain sets in, it can make even the simplest tasks feel difficult.
At Physical Therapy Associates, we understand how frustrating and limiting shoulder pain can be. Our goal is to listen, evaluate and uncover what’s really causing your discomfort so we can guide you toward lasting relief. You don’t have to work around the pain — we’re here to help you get back to moving comfortably and confidently.
When To Seek Help For Shoulder Pain Relief
It’s normal to have occasional soreness after physical activity, but ongoing or worsening shoulder pain is a sign that something needs attention. You should seek professional care if you have:
- Pain that lasts more than a few days without improvement
- Difficulty lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind you
- Pain that interrupts your sleep or rest
- Tingling, muscle weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion that doesn’t improve
- Pain following an accident, fall or sports injury
At Physical Therapy Associates, we encourage you to address symptoms early. Whether it’s sharp pain after an injury, stiffness from posture strain or discomfort that’s been building over time, early treatment can help you recover faster and protect your shoulder health for the future.
Understanding The Different Types Of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can feel different for everyone, and where you feel it can offer important clues about the underlying cause.
At Physical Therapy Associates, we pay close attention to the location, nature and triggers of your discomfort to guide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Front Shoulder Pain
Pain in the front of the shoulder often involves the biceps tendon, rotator cuff or joint structures. It’s typically more noticeable when lifting objects, reaching forward or performing overhead movements.
This type of pain can develop from tendonitis, muscle strain or inflammation within the shoulder joint.
Back Shoulder Pain
Pain in the back of the shoulder can be caused by overworked muscles, posture strain or irritation in the rotator cuff. It may also occur after repetitive throwing or lifting, particularly in sports or physically demanding jobs. In some cases, it is connected to issues with the shoulder blade or the muscles that support it.
Pain Between Shoulder Blades
Pain between the shoulder blades is often linked to muscle tension, poor posture or prolonged sitting during desk work. However, it can also be a sign of problems in the neck, upper back or nearby joints. Without proper treatment, this discomfort can return repeatedly and impact other areas of the body.
Neck And Shoulder Pain
Pain that affects both the neck and shoulder may indicate nerve irritation, muscle strain or joint problems in the cervical spine. This type of discomfort can make it difficult to turn your head, lift your arm or perform daily activities. It often requires a treatment plan that addresses both areas to restore mobility and reduce pain effectively.
Common Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Get To The Root Of Your Pain
The shoulder is a complex joint. Pain can develop from a range of conditions, injuries and movement patterns, including:
- Rotator cuff injuries – A tear or strain in the rotator cuff tendons
- Tendonitis – Inflammation of the shoulder tendons
- Bursitis – Irritation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the shoulder
- Frozen shoulder – A condition known as adhesive capsulitis that causes stiffness and pain
- Arthritis – Degeneration of the shoulder joint
- Posture-related strain – Muscle imbalances and tension form slouching or rounded shoulders
- Neck and shoulder pain – Conditions in the cervical spine, such as nerve compression, that can radiate discomfort
In some cases, factors unique to women can also contribute to shoulder discomfort. Hormonal changes, bone density differences and certain medical conditions may play a role. Now matter what the cause of pain is, recognizing the different influences allows us to design treatment that addresses both the immediate pain and its underlying causes.
Shoulder Pain Treatment
Enhancing Your Recovery With Specialized Services
If your shoulder pain is chronic, post-surgical or tied to more complex musculoskeletal issues, we may incorporate some of the following treatments.
Dry Needling
Relieve pain and release muscle tension with precise, targeted treatment. This technique improves mobility and speeds recovery alongside traditional therapy.
Orthopedic Therapy
Whether it’s a joint injury or chronic muscle pain, we tailor your orthopedic rehab to restore strength and function. It’s hands-on, one-on-one care that works.
Pre/Post-Operative Therapy
Recovery starts before surgery and continues with focused post-op rehab. We guide you every step to restore strength, movement and confidence.
Sports Rehabilitation
Whether you play for fun or competition, sports injuries need sport-specific recovery. We help you heal fast and play stronger.
FCE Testing
Functional Capacity Evaluations help define what your body can safely do. Our clear, accurate testing supports disability and return-to-work decisions.
How Physical Therapy Helps Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy for shoulder pain focuses on restoring strength, mobility and function while addressing the root cause of your discomfort. Your shoulder PT program may include a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction and flexibility training.
We also provide education on activity modification, ergonomics and home exercises so you can maintain your progress outside the clinic. By combining hands-on care with patient education, we help reduce inflammation, improve motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles to prevent future injuries.
With our personalized approach, shoulder treatment physical therapy can provide lasting relief and help you return to the activities you enjoy most.
Start Your Path To Relief With Shoulder PT
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to keep you from the activities you enjoy. Whether your discomfort is new or has been building for years, the right care can make all the difference. At Physical Therapy Associates, we’re here to listen, evaluate and create a personalized shoulder PT program that addresses your needs from the very first visit.
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen or limit your mobility. Contact Physical Therapy Associates today to schedule your evaluation.
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