At MNRS we provide shoulder physical therapy. The shoulder is a complex joint that supports over 180 degrees of movement in multiple directions, such as rotations, spinning, sliding, and more. The shoulder consists of three bones (humerus, scapula, and clavicle), four joints, and other surrounding tissues, such as the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae, etc. Shoulder pain may occur due to injuries or damages to any of these components, so understanding the root cause is essential for recovery.
Shoulder Physical Therapy
Sprain/Strain
Shoulder sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding the shoulders are injured or overstretched, and shoulder strains occur when the muscles or tendons are injured. The micro-tearing and injuries of the ligaments, tendons, or muscles are followed by swelling and inflammation. The pain usually flares up when you move your shoulders.
Fractures
Shoulder fractures occur due to sudden injuries, such as falls, or the gradual thinning and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis). While treating fractures, the goal is to offer the bone a safe position to heal while maintaining mobility. As the shoulder bone heals, physical therapy is necessary to restore the optimal range of motion.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition wherein the fluid-filled sacs between the muscles in your shoulders are inflamed. The bursa reduces friction during movements by cushioning the muscles and tissues. As such, when the bursa is inflamed due to poor posture and abnormal joint movements, you may feel pain while reaching to the side.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a condition wherein the tendons connecting the muscles to the shoulder bones are inflamed. Tendonitis usually affects the rotator cuff tendons and bicep tendons, resulting in severe pain in front of the shoulder or deep within the shoulder. Shoulder physical therapy is necessary to strengthen the muscles and restore pain-free mobility.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles surrounding the shoulders — subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor. The rotator cuff muscles are critical in facilitating shoulder movements, such as lifting the arms. However, the rotator cuff muscles can be injured due to regular wear and tear, sports injuries, falls, and repeated lifting movements. This can cause severe pain and inflammation.
Frozen Shoulder
The term “frozen shoulder” refers to a painful condition wherein the tissues surrounding the shoulder joints experience chronic inflammation. Over time, the capsule of tissues contract and reduce shoulder mobility and flexibility. This condition often occurs due to trauma and repetitive injuries, and it’s particularly common amongst post-menopausal women.
Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when you fall onto an outstretched arm or receive a blow to the side or back of the shoulder. This usually happens due to falls or sports injuries. During shoulder dislocation, the head of the humerus bone usually falls out of place. After the shoulder bone is relocated, physical therapy is necessary to stabilize the shoulder joint and restore mobility.
Schedule an Appointment
Miami Neurology & Rehabilitation Specialists is led by a talented team of physical therapists. Our physical therapists evaluate your motion, coordination, strength, and stability to identify and treat the root cause of your shoulder pain. We use hands-on techniques to restore normal shoulder functions and motion. For more information about shoulder physical therapy, please schedule an appointment at our centers in Miami, FL.
