The shoulder is one of the most impressive, flexible, mobile joints in the body. However, with increased mobility come increased instability, making the shoulder one of the most commonly injured joints in the body.
The shoulder, or glenohumeral joint, is comprised of the the humerus, clavicle, scapula, and the associated muscles, tendons and ligaments (rotator cuff). Traumatic injuries to the shoulder include rotator cuff tear, labral tear, dislocation, and clavicle fracture among others. Overuse injuries include bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis (commonly the supraspinatus tendon), bicep tendonitis, impingement, and frozen shoulder.
When the shoulder is injured it is often painful to reach overhead, brush your hair, reach your back, hold/push/pull objects, and sometimes even to steer a steering wheel, among other symptoms.
Treatment for shoulder injuries begins with a thorough exam of the shoulder, elbow, and thoracic spine. Once your source of pain and dysfunction is identified, we are able to create an individualized program targeted at your specific injury and goals. Treatment will include manual therapy (soft tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, neuromuscular re-education, strethching) and an exercise program targeted and strengthening your weaknesses to restore mobility, stability, and function of the rotator cuff and associated muscles.
Below we have listed many common causes of shoulder pain, however, there are many different types of injuries and this is not and inclusive list. If you have specific questions about your injury please feel free to give us a call at (908) 276-0294.
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Impingement
- Frozen Shoulder
- Bursitis
- Labral Tear
- Arthiritis