Because of the stress they have to endure, the shoulders are a common source of injury and related symptoms of pain and limited mobility. If you’re physically active, or have a job that requires frequent lifting, shoulder pain can be extremely debilitating. In addition to other treatments, patients looking for relief often turn to physical therapy for the long-term benefits it can offer.

Physical therapy exercises in particular are such an effective treatment option for shoulder pain because they can help the body recover from injury by strengthening the joint and mobilizing soft tissue. It’s critical to always work with a licensed therapist to learn proper technique for therapeutic exercises, but to help you have a better understanding of what to expect, we’re sharing the following guide.

If you have any questions or want more information on how Continuum Wellness can treat your shoulder pain, please feel free to reach out to us today.

Three common physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain

The shoulders are constructed to allow the arms to perform the intricate movements required for normal activity while withstanding a heavy load. This combination is what makes this part of the body, along with other load-bearing joints, so prone to injury. By strengthening supporting muscles and connective tissue while gently stretching and improving range of motion, a physical therapist can help along the natural healing process while also making the shoulders more resistant to future injury.

While each treatment plan is different and will be customized according to your individual needs, here are a few commonly recommended physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain:

• Crossover arm stretch — This exercise stretches the shoulder by gently pulling the arm across the chest.

• Sleeper stretch — By lying on the injured shoulder and applying gentle pressure with the other arm, the sleeper stretch helps to mobilize the area around the shoulder.
• Passive internal rotation — This technique involves holding a stick behind the back and gently swinging the shoulders to extend their range of motion.

Your physical therapist can give you instruction on these and other exercises while also performing techniques like manual therapy and dry needling to treat shoulder pain.

Expert shoulder pain treatment at Continuum Wellness

At Continuum Wellness, highly personalized care is our mission. Each patient receives a full evaluation to ensure a treatment plan with the best chance of delivering the lasting relief they deserve.

Get your life back from shoulder pain. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.