Jason (not his real name) had been struggling with long-term shoulder pain after suffering a rotator cuff injury a year earlier. This constant discomfort made it difficult for him to perform his work as a carpenter and enjoy hobbies like golfing. Fortunately, physiotherapy for chronic shoulder pain came to his rescue.
Jason scheduled an appointment at For Health’s Sake, where he shared his frustrations and day-to-day difficulties. Trying to grab something off a shelf felt impossible. His pain often kept him up at night. He didn’t think he could ever feel better.
We immediately got to work. We started with a comprehensive evaluation in which we took his health history and learned more about his old rotator cuff injury, which he hadn’t fully rehabilitated at the time. We also performed some simple movement screens.
All this information helped us develop a personalized treatment treatment plan, which included specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around Jason’s shoulder, improve his range of motion, and help reduce his inflammation. We also used manual therapy techniques to relieve his acute pain and enhance joint function.
With regular physiotherapy sessions and a little hard work, Jason noticed improvements in his shoulder. His experience demonstrates how physiotherapy can effectively address chronic shoulder pain, providing long-term relief and improved quality of life.
Today, we want to share more information about physiotherapy for chronic shoulder pain, including common treatments we use. And if you think you might benefit, call to set up an initial appointment at our Toronto clinic today!
Common Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Experts generally divide pain into two basic types: acute and chronic. Acute pain occurs whenever you injure yourself and lets you know something’s wrong with your body. After that injury heals, acute pain fades.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, lingers even when there’s no longer any underlying injury. It’s officially defined as any pain that lasts longer than three months.
Identifying the cause of chronic pain–in the shoulder or elsewhere–can be tricky. Sometimes, it stems from a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia (which typically affects the entire body). Other times, someone might develop chronic pain after shoulder surgery, especially if they didn’t fully rehabilitate afterward. Scar tissue can develop in the joint, which can cause pain and limit movement.
The shoulder is also susceptible to overuse injuries, which occur due to repetitive movement or awkward postures that irritate the muscles and tendons in the shoulder. These injuries lead to a persistent, nagging pain that often worsens over time.
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, your best bet is to schedule an appointment at For Health’s Sake. We’ll help you understand why your shoulder hurts and set you up with a personalized treatment program.
What To Expect From Physiotherapy for Chronic Shoulder Pain
Jason’s story is pretty typical of how we help patients with chronic shoulder pain. We start with a comprehensive assessment to help us understand your unique needs. We’ll review your health history and current symptoms. We’ll also check the strength and mobility in your shoulder, arm, and back and perform a postural assessment. All this information helps us create the best plan for you.
The next step is immediate pain management. We offer several drug-free options for managing shoulder pain, from manual therapy techniques to pain-relieving modalities like ultrasound therapy. These techniques can provide acute pain relief, but they also help improve mobility and boost circulation to the shoulder.
Once we’ve found the best way to manage your pain, we’ll start working on targeted exercises. Movement is one of the best ways to address persistent or chronic joint pain, and we’ll match exercises to your needs, ability, and pain levels. We’ll start by working to improve your mobility. Next, we’ll move on to shoulder strengthening exercises. A strong rotator cuff supports and stabilizes the shoulder joint, helping to decrease pain.
Finally, we can help you with any lifestyle modifications that might make things easier for you. This might include assistive devices like grabbers, ergonomic changes to your workstation, or an at-home exercise program to keep you moving.
Schedule Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today
Do you think you might benefit from physiotherapy for chronic shoulder pain? Call For Health’s Sake’s Toronto clinic today to get started!