The shoulders are incredibly complex joints with the important responsibility of keeping your arm attached to the rest of your body. They also allow your arm to move freely in many directions. Many bones, soft tissue and muscles must work together for a functioning shoulder joint. When one of these structures is injured, you might need to visit a physical therapist for treatment.

Physical therapists have several methods for treating shoulder pain. The exact treatment for your shoulder pain will depend on its cause and severity. A typical physical therapy treatment includes methods like these:

1. Manual therapy

Physical therapists can reduce pain and improve range of motion in the shoulder using joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques. These techniques involve the use of the physical therapist’s hands to mobilize and manipulate your shoulder and scapula. Soft tissue mobilization techniques also help restore proper movement patterns to the shoulder. We will also use them to release tight muscles to allow the joints to move freely again. By helping to restore proper muscle use and joint motion, therapists may be able to decrease your pain.

2. Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation can be used to assist with decreasing inflammation and pain. This treatment uses electrode pads that are placed on the inflamed or painful area of the shoulder. These pads are then connected with wires to a machine that sends out low-voltage electrical pulses. The pulses enter the body and are intended to help override pain signals coming from the nerves in your shoulder. This treatment is also used to treat other painful areas of the body.

3.  Exercises

Therapeutic strengthening and stretching exercises are commonly used in treating pain. Physical therapists will determine which exercises are best for your shoulder. They will then instruct you in the exercises included in your treatment plan, and you’ll also be told how often to perform your exercises. Doing your exercises as instructed is vital as this is intended to more rapidly:

• Improve flexibility and strength
• Reduce pain
• Return your ability to do normal activities like throwing, reaching, housework, computer work, sleeping, etc.

Visit Franklin Rehabilitation for shoulder pain treatment

Is your shoulder pain affecting your ability to live out your daily life? When home remedies aren’t helping the pain go away, you should try physical therapy.

Our physical therapists at Franklin Rehabilitation are skilled in these and other methods for treating shoulder pain and improving range of motion. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.