3 ways physical therapists can help muscle spasms in your shoulder

Research shows that up to 26% of people have shoulder pain at any given time. When your pain is being caused by muscle spasms in your shoulder, physical therapy is one effective way to address it. 

For one thing, physical therapists have extensive training in the structures of your body, including the muscles. They also excel at building treatment plans for muscle spasms in your shoulder that include a combination PT techniques. Also, your plan can be fitted to your needs. This increases the plan’s chances of helping to reduce pain, improve movement and increase blood flow to the affected area. Read on to learn some causes of shoulder muscle spasms and how physical therapists can help treat them.

What causes muscle spasms in the shoulder? 

Muscle spasms in the shoulder can be caused by a variety of factors. One of these is a current or previous shoulder injury, such as a pulled muscle in the shoulder blade area. Another common cause is muscle overuse. These factors can cause the muscles to tighten and pull on the surrounding tissues. If left untreated, this irritation can make it quite difficult to move your arm normally. It can also trigger pain.

Other common causes of muscle spasms include: 

  • Muscle imbalances. 
  • Poor sleeping position. 
  • Arthritis or other underlying conditions. 

3 ways your physical therapist can start addressing your muscle spasms

  1. Pinpointing the root cause of your spasms — There are multiple underlying issues that can trigger muscle spasms. Finding out which issue is affecting you is something a physical therapist can do. They can do so by comprehensively evaluating your shoulder. The clues they gather here can help them determine which issue is responsible for your condition. 
  1. Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles —Physical therapists may also recommend exercises to improve muscle tone in your rotator cuffs. These four small muscles surround your shoulder joint and help stabilize it during movement and impact. Weakness in these muscles may lead to instability and subsequent spasms in your shoulders.
  1. Easing upper body tension — Tension from poor posture, stress, or repetitive movements can cause tightness in the chest and shoulders. This tension may result in shoulder spasms as well as neck pain and headaches. Physical therapists can help you learn stretches that can reduce tension throughout your upper body. They can also use a hands-on technique called soft tissue mobilization to help you. This PT method involves the physical therapist using their hands to knead, stretch and mobilize your muscles. 

Back in Motion can help address muscle spasms in your shoulders

Experiencing painful muscle spasms in your shoulders? Our Back in Motion Physical Therapy team is primed to help you address your condition. They can assess you and create a plan to increase mobility in your shoulders as well as reduce your pain. 

Contact one of our front desk coordinators today to learn more about our shoulder pain treatment options or to set up your initial appointment.

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