This issue could be causing your shoulder pain

Throwing. Lifting objects. Holding your grandchildren or your dog’s leash. These are all common activities that involve your shoulder, and pain in your shoulder can make all of them much harder to do. 

Just how common is shoulder pain? Much more common than you might believe — in fact, it’s estimated that up to 70% of people will have to deal with shoulder pain at some time in their lives. There are numerous issues that can cause shoulder pain, and a physical therapist can help you figure out the cause of your pain and effectively treat it. 

This is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain

One of the top causes of shoulder pain is a problem with the rotator cuff. After all, more than 2 million Americans visit a doctor for a rotator cuff issue annually. The rotator cuff is fairly intricate, but you don’t need to do something drastic to injure it.

Activities like gardening, yardwork, shoveling and even playing catch with your kids can be enough. Often, rotator cuff issues are a result of wear and tear over time. Rounded shoulder posture is especially likely to increase your risk of a rotator cuff injury. When you have this type of poor shoulder posture, your arms are rounded forward. This means when you try to move your arms overhead, tendons and muscles get pinched against bones. Over time, this pinching can cause: 

• Inflammation
• Weakness
• Poor shoulder mechanics

Signs that you should seek physical therapy for this cause of shoulder pain

People with recurring shoulder pain should seriously consider visiting a physical therapist. Are you wondering if it’s time to see a therapy specialist for your shoulder problem? Some of the signs that should have you on the phone to a physical therapist include: 

• If you’re consistently noticing pain when you reach over your head
• If you feel pain when tucking in a shirt or putting on a belt
• If you’re a woman and feeling pain in your shoulder and arm when fastening a bra behind your back
• If lying on your shoulder for a while brings pain or soreness that doesn’t go away

Find treatment for the cause of your shoulder pain at Back in Motion Physical Therapy

Searching for help with the issue that’s causing your shoulder pain? Our Back in Motion Physical Therapy team is here to help you get effective shoulder pain treatment. Our specialists offer free screenings that can reveal the specific issues that are causing your pain. We also excel at building personalized therapy plans intended to reduce pain and improve joint function. 

Can’t leave home to do an in-person therapy session with us? Don’t worry! Our team offers physical therapy services that you can use without leaving home, including virtual care and at-home therapy. We also publish a periodic newsletter that can help you learn more about shoulder pain and other common issues. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can help you with shoulder pain or to schedule an initial appointment.