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.
One of the biggest reasons new patients visit our licensed occupational and hand therapists each day is to address chronic shoulder pain. Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of different factors, and it makes completing daily tasks nearly impossible without treatment. If you are experiencing shoulder pain and you are looking for relief, contact Hand in Hand Rehab today.
What are the 5 most common causes of shoulder pain?
The average person probably doesn’t give much thought to their shoulders as they go about their day. However, your shoulders actually do quite a lot of work to help you complete everyday tasks, and if they become strained or injured, you could be left experience severe shoulder pain. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:
1. Impingement.
Shoulder impingement can occur when the top part of the shoulder blade puts excessive pressure on the underlying soft tissues in the arm when it is lifted away from the body. As the arm lifts, the shoulder blade rubs against the tendons and bursa. If left untreated, impingement in the shoulder can result in bursitis and/or tendinitis.
2. Tendinitis.
Tendinitis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the shoulder area, and it has been known to send many people straight to a therapist in order to find relief. The condition typically affects those who are physically active or people who work at a job that requires them to complete repetitive motions. For example, if you’re an athlete who plays tennis, or if you work as a professional painter, you could be at risk of developing tendinitis in your shoulder. If you are at a high risk of developing tendinitis, it is important to remember that along with your treatment program, resting your shoulders regularly can help to prevent chronic pain.
3. Bursitis.
The shoulder is a complicated joint that is made up of an intricate network of moving parts. One of the key components that make up the shoulder is called bursa. The bursa contains tiny sacs of fluid that work to keep the shoulder joint lubricated. If the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, you can develop bursitis, and you will need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
4. Tendon tears.
The tendons in your shoulder can tear as the result of an acute injury or certain degenerative conditions. The natural aging process, sudden injuries, and overuse often cause the tendons to split or tear. Whether a patient is experiencing a partial or a full tendon tear, the pain can be extremely intense and it may require regular appointments with a skilled occupational or hand therapist.
5. Frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder typically occurs after an injury or alongside another shoulder condition. Most occupational and hand therapists recommend that patients with frozen shoulder get plenty of rest in-between appointments, in order to avoid developing scar tissue in the shoulder. If scar tissue does develop, the muscles surrounding the shoulder could eventually freeze up as well, restricting your full range of motion and resulting in chronic pain.
Contact us today for shoulder pain relief:
If you or a loved one have been experiencing recurrent or prolonged shoulder pain, it is important 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 can help patients of all ages and activity levels. Contact Hand in Hand Rehab today to learn more about how our services can benefit you, and begin your journey toward living a pain-free life!
