Shoulder Struggles? Let Orthopedic Physical Therapy Lead Your Recovery

Shoulder injuries can sneak up on us, whether from an intense game of basketball, a day of heavy lifting, or even a simple stumble. When it comes to getting back on track, orthopedic physical therapy is your winning playbook. Let's dive into what orthopedic physical therapy entails, how it tackles shoulder injuries head-on, and how you can kickstart your journey to recovery with confidence.

What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic physical therapy is like having a personal coach for your muscles and bones, especially your shoulders. These specialized therapists are masters at evaluating your injury, crafting a game plan tailored just for you, and teaching you the moves to keep your shoulder in top shape. Plus, they're all about finding solutions that don't involve going under the knife whenever possible.

Shoulder Showdown: Common Injuries

Orthopedic physical therapy can address different types of shoulder injuries, including:

• Rotator cuff tears: These tears happen when the muscles and tendons around your shoulder joint get overworked, age catches up, or from an accidental injury.
• Shoulder instability: Picture this – the lining of your shoulder joint gets a little too stretchy or decides to tear, letting your shoulder ball waltz out of its socket. Not fun.
• AC joint injuries: When the spot where your shoulder blade meets your collarbone takes a hit, whether from a fall or just overdoing it, you might end up with an AC joint sprain or separation. Ouch.

Some physical therapy services for shoulder pain include:

• Cooling it down with ice therapy
• Warming things up with heat therapy
• Massage
• Stretching it out
• Pump up those muscles with strengthening exercises
• Get those joints moving with mobilization
• Shock your muscles (in a good way) with electrical stimulation
• Tape it up for extra support
• Adjust your activities to ease the strain
• Fine-tune your workplace ergonomics
• And of course, a personalized home exercise program to keep the momentum going

Important Note

For shoulder injuries, it's wise to consult an orthopedic specialist promptly upon noticing significant pain, especially if it hinders daily activities. Seeking early medical attention can aid in timely diagnosis and effective management.

Schedule Your Orthopedic Physical Therapy Appointment

An orthopedic physical therapist can assess and treat shoulder injuries, guiding you through the recovery process. Starting orthopedic physical therapy as soon as possible can lead to better treatment outcomes. At The Orthopedic Health Center, we prioritize a minimally invasive approach to restore shoulder function, which can shorten recovery time and reduce pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.