Occupational Therapy Can Help Improve These 5 Shoulder Pain Conditions
Chronic shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons new patients visit our licensed occupational and physical therapists each day.
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from the temporary discomfort of a pulled muscle to the agonizing bone-on-bone friction of arthritis. This condition makes it difficult to lift or stretch to reach items.
Whatever the cause of your shoulder pain, it is likely that it makes performing daily tasks difficult. Our occupational therapy clinic has a solution to this problem.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain and want to find relief, call Wise Physical Therapy in Anchorage, AK today to schedule an appointment!
The leading causes of shoulder pain
The average person does not give their shoulders much thought as they go about their day. Your shoulders, on the other hand, work hard to help you complete daily tasks, and if they become strained or injured, you may experience significant shoulder discomfort.
Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain are as follows:
1. Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is most commonly caused by an injury or in conjunction with another shoulder problem. Most occupational and physical therapists recommend that patients with frozen shoulder get plenty of rest in between treatments to avoid the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder. Scar tissue around the shoulder can cause the muscles surrounding it to lock up, limiting your range of motion and causing chronic pain.
2. Bursitis
The shoulder is a complicated joint with a complex network of moving parts! The bursa is an important component of the shoulder. The bursa is made up of small fluid sacs that help to lubricate the shoulder joint. Bursitis can occur if the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
3. Tendon tears
The tendons in your shoulder may rip as a result of an acute injury or some degenerative disorders. Tendons split or tear as a result of natural aging, unexpected injuries, and misuse. The pain associated with a partial or complete tendon tear can be excruciating, necessitating numerous visits to a qualified occupational or hand therapist.
4. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a common ailment that causes inflammation in the shoulder area, and it has been known to lead many people to seek treatment from a therapist.
People who engage in physical activity or work in jobs that require repetitive motions are more likely to develop the illness. If you play tennis or are a professional painter, you may be prone to shoulder tendinitis.
If you are predisposed to tendinitis, remember that resting your shoulders on a daily basis, in addition to your treatment plan, can help you avoid chronic pain.
5. Shoulder impingement
When the arm is pulled away from the body, the top section of the shoulder blade exerts excessive pressure on the arm’s underlying soft tissues, resulting in shoulder impingement. When the arm is raised, the shoulder blade rubs against the tendons and bursa. If left untreated, shoulder impingement can lead to bursitis and/or tendinitis.
Why should you choose occupational therapy?
If your shoulder pain has taken over your life, an occupational therapist may be able to help.
An occupational therapy plan is all-inclusive, including an individual evaluation to determine your goals and the development of customized intervention activities to improve your daily tasks and activities. Your occupational therapist will also conduct an outcome evaluation to determine whether your goals were met, make changes to the plan, or extend the length of time you are in treatment.
An occupational therapist’s goal with shoulder pain is to help you regain function and independence that you may have lost or are at risk of losing due to an injury or pain condition affecting your shoulder. Your occupational therapist can assist you in performing daily tasks in a more efficient manner.
Assume you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to reach up on kitchen shelves. An occupational therapist specializes in finding new, safe ways to help you do everyday activities without jeopardizing your comfort, privacy, or independence.
Overall, occupational therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment option for pain caused by a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and workplace injuries.
Regular appointments with an occupational therapist are ideal for people of all ages! Patients typically see an occupational therapist to help manage chronic pain symptoms and prevent future injury.
Make an appointment with an OT today.
If you or a loved one has been experiencing recurring or chronic shoulder pain, it is critical that you consult with an occupational and physical therapist as soon as possible.
Occupational and physical therapy are non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options that benefit patients of all ages and activity levels.
Contact Wise Physical Therapy in Anchorage, AK today to learn more about how our services can help you and to start your journey to a pain-free life!
