Ask A Specialist!

Call us today

847-519-7046

Call

Menu

Shoulder Pain in Schaumburg

Does a simple move to place a jar on a high shelf seem impossible because of shoulder pain? Do you wonder whether or not you’ll able be able to sleep on your side again without waking up in agony? Has a recent injury made your shoulder all but immobile? There are many kinds of shoulder pain, ranging from the temporary discomfort of a pulled muscle to the bone-on-bone friction of arthritis. But whatever is behind your shoulder pain, you can find comfort in the fact that physical therapy offers great promise as a natural pain management modality. Contact one of our physical therapists today to find out how this form of treatment can benefit your shoulder!

What Is Shoulder Pain?

Your shoulder is capable of amazing feats; however, with amazing feats also sometimes comes amazing discomfort. Your shoulder joint is called a ball-and-socket joint because the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) naturally fits into a corresponding space within the scapula (shoulder blade.) A layer of cartilage keeps the bone ends from rubbing together, and sacs called bursae keep nearby tendons from rubbing painfully against the bones. The tendons attach the bones to a set of muscles called the rotator cuff. When something goes wrong with the intricate mechanical interplay among these structures, pain is sure to result.

Shoulder pain can vary, depending on its cause. In some forms of tendon impingement, for instance, you feel pain as you raise your arm up, only to stop feeling the pain before the arm stretches completely skyward. A degenerated shoulder joint may ache annoyingly every time you move it in any direction. An acute injury can cause sharp, intense pain that makes it impossible for you to move your shoulder at all.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The complexities of the shoulder joint present many opportunities for pain-causing conditions. WebMD cites some of the more common causes of shoulder pain as:

Arthritis — Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears out, a common age-related issue. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain when the immune system decides to attack membranes surrounding the shoulder joint.

Tendonitis — Overuse of the shoulder joint (often related to the demands of a job or favorite sport) can cause the tendons to suffer from ongoing inflammation. The swelling can then create painful impingement when you raise your arm.

Bursitis — Sometimes, the friction from neighboring tendons can cause the bursae to experience inflammation, making overhead motions painful.

Dislocation — When the head of the humerus pops out of its place, the shoulder is said to be dislocated. This is an enormously painful injury, and one which you may be more vulnerable to after the first incidence.

Frozen shoulder — The medical term for frozen shoulder, according to the Mayo Clinic, is adhesive capsulitis. If your arm has been in a cast or sling for a long time, or you were bedridden and had no opportunity to exercise your shoulder, the tissues may have stiffened up on you.

How Physical Therapy in Schaumburg Helps

Don’t assume that you have to gulp down painkillers or schedule surgery to fight shoulder pain. Physical therapy can treat many of the conditions responsible for this complaint in a safe, non-invasive manner. Your physical therapist can pinpoint the cause of your pain through a variety of diagnostic techniques. X-rays can reveal signs of arthritis or dislocation. Range-of-motion tests and discussion of your symptoms can tell us exactly which soft tissue may be involved in your pain.

Once we know why your shoulder hurts, we can recommend the correct mix of physical therapy methods to help manage or even completely relieve that pain. Exercises can be very helpful for easing both the pain of osteoarthritis and the stiffness of frozen shoulder. Bursitis responds well to techniques ranging from heat and ice applications to changes in your workplace ergonomics or athletic training routine. Strengthening exercises can rehabilitate injured muscles and stabilize a shoulder prone to dislocation.
many of the conditions responsible for this complaint in a safe, non-invasive manner. Your physical therapist can pinpoint the cause of your pain through a variety of diagnostic techniques. X-rays can reveal signs of arthritis or dislocation. Range-of-motion tests and discussion of your symptoms can tell us exactly which soft tissue may be involved in your pain.

Once we know why your shoulder hurts, we can recommend the correct mix of physical therapy methods to help manage or even completely relieve that pain. Exercises can be very helpful for easing both the pain of osteoarthritis and the stiffness of frozen shoulder. Bursitis responds well to techniques ranging from heat and ice applications to changes in your workplace ergonomics or athletic training routine. Strengthening exercises can rehabilitate injured muscles and stabilize a shoulder prone to dislocation.

Find Relief from Shoulder Pain in Schaumburg

Your physical therapist will start the process of dealing with your shoulder pain by evaluating it. You’ll be asked questions about the cause of the pain, how severe it is, what makes it worse and whether anything makes it feel better. The physical therapist will conduct some tests to determine the range of motion in your shoulder and test its strength.

Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, your physical therapist will begin a recommended course of treatment to improve your range of motion and start the healing process. This can involve pain management, such as identifying painful motions or activities and figuring out ways to avoid those. Your treatment will likely involve manual therapy, such as soft tissue massage, as well as range-of-motion exercises to help improve the function of your shoulder muscles and ligaments. Strengthening exercises may or may not be a part of your treatment, depending on the diagnosis. It’s important that you follow your physical therapist’s advice, so you can properly heal.

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain as a result of an injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. We’ll get you back on the path to healing as quickly as possible!

Request An Appointment

Please fill out this form and
we will contact you about scheduling.

Shauna H.

“Had the best time with Mr. Roy. I am a violinist and have a lot of back and shoulder pain and he has helped me immensely. Much recommended!”

Anna K.

“OUTSTANDING TEAM 🙂 I have been receiving treatment for just about 3 weeks now for an auto accident where I experienced headaches, pain in the right shoulder and entire cervical spine (neck). After reviewing with the Dr. a treatment plan was sent up immediately. I receive chiropractic care, massage and stretch and strength training dailey; without delay. I started experiencing relief at the beginning of the third week. I am so impressed with the communication skills between the staff, everyone is on time and on board with my recovery. I wish more Dr.’s offices were as friendly, compassionate and considerate as they are at Health First. The team really seems to enjoy their jobs, and making a difference in patients’ lives. I will definitely recommend them to anyone in need, and have already introduced the facility to my primary care physician. Bravo Team !!!! Thanks for making a difference.”

ACUPUNCTURE
-------------------------
CHIROPRACTIC
-------------------------
CHIROPRACTIC AND PREGNANCY
-------------------------
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CHILDREN
-------------------------
CUPPING
-------------------------
DRY NEEDLING
-------------------------
MASSAGE THERAPY
-------------------------
NAPRAPATHY

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION COUNSELING
-------------------------
PHYSICAL THERAPY
-------------------------
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
-------------------------
SPORTS REHAB
-------------------------
VESTIBULAR THERAPY
-------------------------
WORK INJURY
-------------------------
>>> More Services