According to NSC Injury Facts, upper extremity injuries are extremely common in workplaces, resulting in roughly 30.6% of all injuries that force individuals to take time off work. Should injuries, in particular, can be particularly brutal. They usually cause pain, limited mobility, and pain. Shoulder problems can lead to temporary or permanent work disability and extended missed days of work.
Physical therapy for shoulder injuries is usually a key part of comprehensive treatment plans for shoulder injuries.
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, a leading provider of physical therapy in New York, provides some important information about shoulder pain and injury and how physical therapy provides relief.
Understanding Work-Related Shoulder Injuries
According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, roughly 18%-26% of adults will experience shoulder pain in their lifetime. Many of these shoulder injuries occur at work as a result of traumatic and repetitive events. They result from heavy lifting, slip and fall accidents, repetitive movements, poor workplace posture, and other actions involving shoulder use.
Some of the most common workplace shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Adhesive capsulitis, also described as frozen shoulder
- Shoulder impingement
The Role of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain Treatment
As part of a complete treatment plan, physical therapy and rehabilitation provide vital healing power that improves outcomes and facilitates the success of other medical treatments and medications.
Physical therapy for shoulder pain is effective in restoring range of motion and normal function. In fact, roughly 86% of people who pursued physical therapy found it helped reduce pain, according to YouGov. It also helps to prevent additional damage while assisting patients to become more resistant to re-injuring shoulder joints, muscles, and soft tissues.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy for work-related shoulder injuries includes several techniques.
Stretching Exercises
Physical therapists help patients stretch shoulder joints and teach practical at-home stretching exercises. Stretching effectively improves flexibility and increases blood flow to damaged tissue.
Manual Therapy
This refers to therapists’ hands-on manipulation to reduce muscle tension in and around the shoulder joint. Professional manual therapy targets locations that are resistant to regular stretching and exercise.
Strengthening Exercises
Physical therapists use weights and resistance machines to help strengthen shoulder and core muscles to improve arm and shoulder support and flexibility. As patients recover from shoulder injuries, weight training can be extremely helpful in preventing future injuries.
Posture Correction
Physical therapists help patients develop good posture habits. Patients learn methods to maintain proper spinal and shoulder alignment through exercises such as chin tucks and thoracic spine mobility training.
Modalities
Modalities refer to physical treatment devices that manage inflammation and pain, such as ultrasound, electrical (TENS) stimulation, and hot/cold therapy.
Joint Mobilization
These exercises gently restore the shoulder range of motion without pain. This technique is often beneficial for patients with frozen shoulder and other movement limitations.
Common Physical Therapy Treatments for Specific Shoulder Conditions
There are some typically used treatment methods for some of the more common work-related shoulder injuries mentioned above.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are common and result from both traumatic incidents and repetitive overuse. They cause shoulder weakness, pain, and limited mobility. Physical therapy treatments for these injuries usually focus initially on pain relief and restoring function.
Adhesive Capsulitis, Also Referred to as Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder typically involves significant loss of range of motion. Pain usually occurs as patients reach the outer limit of their flexibility. Typical physical therapy treatments include gentle stretching, manual therapy, and personalized exercises to gradually improve flexibility and restore blood flow and nutrition to damaged shoulder joint tissue.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
These conditions usually involve significant inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint. Modalities, manual therapy, and stretching are often used early in the physical therapy treatments for tendinitis and bursitis.
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care’s New York Physical Therapy Process
Our physical therapy process for treating work-related shoulder injuries begins with an initial assessment in our clinic, followed by developing a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for each patient.
We design your personal plan to mitigate pain while restoring function, flexibility, and strength. We will make ongoing adjustments as you progress through treatments to promote optimal recovery.
We’ll also provide you with useful education and techniques for long-term maintenance of strength and flexibility without pain.
Contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care for Physical Therapy NY Trusts
Work-related shoulder injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating. However, recovery is possible with proper physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Early treatment is a crucial step in promoting healing and pain relief. This includes consulting with the expert team at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care about how physical therapy can address your specific needs.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Discover what to expect at your first chiropractic consultation and more. Contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care online or call (646) 737-6524 to schedule a consultation regarding physical therapy for shoulder pain and injury.
FAQs Regarding New York Physical Therapy for Work-Related Shoulder Injuries
These are some questions patients ask about the benefits of physical therapy for work-related shoulder injuries.
What Techniques Do Physical Therapists Use To Treat Frozen Shoulder?
Physical therapists use a combination of techniques to treat frozen shoulder. Stretching, manual therapy, and personalized exercise programs are often effective in improving flexibility and range of motion while reducing pain. Frozen shoulder requires consistent therapy over time to heal in most cases.
Can Physical Therapy Prevent Future Shoulder Injuries?
Physical therapy can prevent future shoulder injuries by helping patients learn and develop sound techniques for lifting, posture, and strengthening muscle strength and flexibility. A key component of a successful physical therapist’s work is educating patients about simple exercises and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of re-injury.
How Does Manual Therapy To Treat Work-Related Shoulder Injury Work?
Manual therapy treats work-related shoulder injuries by directly manipulating muscles and connective tissues in and around the shoulder. Physical therapy for shoulder pain through manual manipulation improves blood flow, reduces pain, improves mobility, and promotes accelerated healing.