Chronic shoulder pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, especially because we depend on our shoulders to perform many daily tasks. If you're dealing with shoulder pain, you're probably familiar with how the pain can be exacerbated when you try to use your shoulders and fulfil your work responsibilities as normal.

In some instances, shoulder pain therapy can help. This is especially so if your shoulder pain is a result of trauma, overuse or some other health condition. Shoulder pain therapy can also be beneficial if you're recovering from shoulder surgery. In this guide, we will look at how physical therapy can alleviate your shoulder pain in more detail.

Relieves Pain In Your Shoulder

This is one of the top benefits of physical therapy for your shoulder. Shoulder pain can be very debilitating, not to mention that the pain can become worse if the mobility of the joint is not restricted. The nature of the pain being experienced will vary depending on the type of injury. Typically, patients can experience a sharp pain, a burning pain, or prolonged aching.

Fortunately, seeing a physical therapist helps improve the situation. Your physical therapist will prescribe pain-relieving shoulder exercises and other exercises that promote strength and reduce pain. Exercise also encourages the production of natural painkillers in the body, so you won't always have to rely on pain meds.

Strengthens Your Shoulder

When you injure your shoulder or undergo shoulder surgery, you will often have to have your shoulder immobilized to accelerate healing and avoid worsening the injury. However, immobilizing your shoulder means your muscles are not getting enough use and you'll lose some strength in the area. The only way for your muscles to recover their strength is through regular exercise.

Shoulder pain therapy can help you regain your shoulder's strength safely. Try to perform shoulder exercises without guidance from a specialist can do more harm than good. It's best to work with a qualified physical therapist who understands the exercises required to target the affected muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Boosts Circulation

Shoulder pain therapy makes use of various exercises that boost blood circulation to the injured area. Keep in mind that blood is a transport medium for nutrients, so improved circulation in your shoulder will accelerate healing and improve the general condition of your shoulder. Most shoulder exercises that help pump your blood better will often require manual manipulation or mobilization. Regular manual physical therapy will slowly but surely relieve pain and improve your shoulder's natural function.

Improves Flexibility and Eliminates Stiffness

When you have a shoulder injury, the inflammation can cause stiffness and lack of flexibility. You'll find it difficult to perform tasks that you used to perform without a second thought, such as reaching up to open a cupboard. This stiffness is often caused by the lack of use of the shoulder. To improve flexibility, your physical therapist will guide you through safe exercises that make your shoulder joint feel more limber. As you get used to using your shoulder, you'll eventually regain flexibility in your shoulder.

Shoulder Pain Therapy Is Safe and Effective

The great news is that shoulder pain therapy is a tried and tested treatment that has helped many people live a more normal life. It makes use of various rehabilitative tools and accessories to enhance your treatment. For instance, your therapist might incorporate KT tape into your exercises. KT Tape is a special tape that can stretch up to 40% its length, thereby providing the right amount of support throughout any motions you're asked to perform (per Athletic Tape Info).

Shoulder therapy can also be used in conjunction with other types of therapy for better results. Some therapists recommend additional therapies like dry needling or electrical stimulation to help with the rehabilitation of your shoulder.

What Happens During My First Session?

When you go in for your first session, your physical therapist will take the opportunity to evaluate your shoulder's condition. They will ask you to perform specific tasks, such as extending your arm above your head. Your therapist will then use the observations to come up with a personalized treatment plan that will help improve your shoulder's condition and range of motion.

Your physical therapist will also teach you how to exercise and stretch your shoulder safely for best results. In addition, they will make suggestions and modifications to your treatment plan to prevent further injury.

As highly-trained therapists, we believe we can help treat your shoulder pain so you can improve your quality of life. We recommend scheduling a consultation with us at your earliest convenience - we will be happy to help!