My painful shoulder – what is the cause?

Your shoulder is meant for mobility – to move in multiple directions to accomplish activities such as lifting, pulling, pushing and throwing. However mobility has its price since soft tissues, with are relatively easily injured, are required to your maintain bony stability. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it may fall into one of four major categories:

tendon inflammation – tendonitis
instability – tears of the tendon, ligaments or labrum (cartilage)
arthritis – wear and tear of the bony structure fracture.
Other less common causes of should pain are tumor, infection and nerve-related problems.

How can Human Performance Center Physical Therapists assist me?

Our physical therapists are experts in the analysis of movement dysfunctions which includes shoulder movement. They will start with your medical history to determine how the pain or dysfunction may have started. They will review any tests performed by your physician or health care provider including x-rays and MRI. If you have had surgery, they will review your surgical report if available and adhere to any restrictions your surgeon recommends. Then a physical examination will be conducted to determine limitations of motion or instability and precisely when and where pain occurs. Posture, muscle strength/weakness and special tests will also be evaluated as appropriate. A treatment program will then be established for your specific condition to include pain reduction or alleviation and therapeutic exercises. The final stage involves a conditioning program to enable you to safely return to your daily activities or sport and prevent future dysfunction.

How you can receive our services

Your physician or medical provider can refer you to the Human Performance Center or you can contact us directly. Contact US for email, telephone or driving information.