Chronic shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons new patients visit our licensed occupational and hand 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, on the other hand, has a solution to this quandary.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain and want to find relief, call Synergy Therapeutic Group today to schedule an appointment!
The most common causes of shoulder pain
The average person does not give their shoulders much thought as they go about their day. Your shoulders, however, 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 usually happens as a result of an injury or in conjunction with another shoulder issue. To avoid growing scar tissue in the shoulder, most occupational and hand therapists recommend that patients with frozen shoulder obtain plenty of rest in between treatments. If scar tissue forms around the shoulder, the muscles surrounding it may eventually lock up, limiting your range of motion and causing chronic pain.
2. Bursitis.
The shoulder is a complex joint with a complicated network of moving elements! The bursa is one of the most important parts of the shoulder. The bursa is made up of small fluid sacs that help to keep the shoulder joint lubricated. Bursitis can develop if the bursa gets irritated or inflamed, and you should make an appointment as soon as possible.
3. Tendon tears.
An acute injury or some degenerative disorders might cause the tendons in your shoulder to rip. Tendons split or tear as a result of the normal aging process, unexpected injuries, and misuse. Whether a patient has a partial or complete tendon tear, the pain can be excruciating, necessitating many visits to a qualified occupational or hand therapist.
4. Tendinitis.
Tendinitis is a frequent ailment that produces inflammation in the shoulder area, and it has been known to lead many people to a therapist for treatment.
People who are physically active or who work in jobs that require them to make repeated motions are more likely to develop the illness. If you’re a tennis player or a professional painter, you may be at risk of having tendinitis in your shoulder.
If you have a high risk of tendinitis, remember that resting your shoulders on a daily basis, in addition to your treatment program, 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 places excessive pressure on the underlying soft tissues in the arm, causing shoulder impingement. The shoulder blade rubs on the tendons and bursa when the arm elevates. Impingement in the shoulder can lead to bursitis and/or tendinitis if left untreated.
Why 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.
Request an appointment today with an OT
If you or a loved one has been experiencing recurring or chronic shoulder pain, it is critical that you consult with an occupational therapist as soon as possible.
Occupational therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option that benefits patients of all ages and activity levels.
Contact Synergy Therapeutic Group today to learn more about how our services can help you and start your journey to a pain-free life!
