Blog post from our board member Dr. Robert Bacci: Recovering from Shoulder Injuries: How Physical Therapy Can Help – Courtesy of Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy
Shoulder injuries can disrupt daily life, making it hard to perform simple tasks like lifting objects, reaching overhead, or even getting dressed. From rotator cuff tears to frozen shoulder, these injuries often cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Physical therapy is a proven way to help you recover from these injuries, reduce pain, and regain movement without the need for invasive treatments.
We’ll explore how physical therapy can help shoulder injury recovery and what you can expect during your sessions.
Common Shoulder Injuries
Your shoulder is a complex joint that allows a wide range of movement. However, its complexity also makes it prone to injury. Some common shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator cuff injuries – Damage to the muscles and tendons that support shoulder movement.
- Frozen shoulder – Stiffness and pain that limit the shoulder’s range of motion.
- Shoulder impingement – Tendons in the shoulder are pinched or irritated, causing pain.
- Dislocations and fractures – Injuries from falls, trauma, or overuse.
These injuries can occur from repetitive motion, sports, accidents, or even the natural wear and tear that comes with aging.
How Physical Therapy Helps Shoulder Recovery
1. Reducing Pain and Swelling
Physical therapy focuses on non-invasive techniques to reduce pain and inflammation. Therapists use methods like manual therapy, ultrasound therapy, and targeted exercises to ease discomfort. Research has shown that physical therapy leads to significant pain reduction and improved function in shoulder injuries.
2. Improving Mobility
After a shoulder injury, you may find it difficult to perform basic tasks like reaching up or out to the side. Physical therapy uses gentle stretching exercises to help restore your shoulder’s range of motion. Over time, these exercises improve flexibility, allowing you to move more easily.
3. Strengthening Muscles
Strengthening exercises target the muscles around your shoulder to improve stability and prevent future injury. These exercises are designed to protect and support the shoulder while ensuring that it heals properly. Strengthening the rotator cuff, for example, is essential in recovering from most shoulder injuries.