One of the biggest reasons new patients visit our licensed occupational and hand therapists each day is to address chronic shoulder pain.
There are numerous reasons why you may be experiencing shoulder pain, and the severity can range from the temporary discomfort of a pulled muscle to the agonizing bone-on-bone friction of arthritis. This condition can make it hard to lift or stretch to reach items.
Regardless of the reason for your shoulder bothering you, chances are it makes completing daily tasks nearly impossible. However, we have the solution for this dilemma at our occupational therapy clinic.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain and you are looking for relief, contact Hand In Hand Rehabilitation today for an appointment!
The most common causes of shoulder pain
As they go about their day, the ordinary person generally doesn’t give their shoulders much thought. Your shoulders, on the other hand, make a lot of effort to help you complete daily chores, and if they get strained or injured, you could end up with significant shoulder discomfort.
The following are some of the most common reasons for shoulder pain:
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 begun to take over your life, an occupational therapist could help.
An occupational therapy plan is all-encompassing and includes an individual evaluation to determine your goals and create customized intervention activities to improve daily tasks and activities for you. Your occupational therapist will also perform an outcome evaluation to determine if your goals were met, to make changes to the plan, or lengthen the amount of time you’re in treatment.
With shoulder pain, the goal of an occupational therapist is to help you regain function and independence that you may have lost or may be at risk of loss due to an injury or pain condition affecting your shoulder. Your occupational therapist can help you to accomplish everyday tasks in easier ways. For example, say you have a condition that makes it hard for you to reach up on shelves in your kitchen. An occupational therapist specializes in figuring out new, safe ways to help you do normal things without compromising comfort, privacy, or independence.
All in all, occupational therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option that is designed to relieve pain resulting from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, workplace injuries, and more.
Patients typically see an occupational therapist to help manage chronic pain symptoms and prevent future injury, and regular appointments with an occupational therapist are ideal for people of all ages!
Request an appointment today with an OT
If you or a loved one have been experiencing recurrent or prolonged shoulder pain, it is essential to speak with an occupational and hand therapist as soon as possible.
Occupational and hand therapy are safe, non-invasive, and holistic treatment options that help patients of all ages and activity levels.
Contact Hand In Hand Rehabilitation today to learn more about how our services can benefit you and begin your journey toward living a pain-free life!
