Shoulder Pain

Q: How will my shoulder pain symptoms progress?

Shoulder pain can take some time for it to start to decrease. Muscles and tendons generally take 4-6 weeks to heal, and physical therapy can improve the length and intensity of your symptoms.

Q: When should I seek treatment for shoulder pain?

If your shoulder pains do not start to show improvement in the first few weeks after injury, then starting physical therapy early can help to get the muscles healing quickly to decrease your pain and get you back to the activities you love to do.

Q: How long will shoulder treatment typically last?

Physical therapy can last a few weeks to months depending on the injury and severity of your symptoms. The length of time you have been having pain can also play a role in how quickly your body will recover.

Q: When can I return to work after a shoulder injury?

Usually you will be able to return to work quickly with modifications, and a full return as your shoulder fully recovers.

Q: When can I return to playing sports after a shoulder injury?

Being able to return to sports may take several weeks until your shoulder pains start to decrease, and making a gradual return to full participation to make sure that you do not re-injure your shoulder.

Q: How can I sleep with shoulder pain?

Sleeping with shoulder pain can be very challenging, and many times the use of extra pillows or in some cases sleeping in a recliner may be the best solution. Your physical therapist will be able to make suggestions on positions that will help you get the sleep and rest you need.

Q: Does SportsCare take my insurance?

Here is a list of the insurance plans accepted by SportsCare Physical Therapy and Armworks Hand Therapy. If you are unsure of your coverage or if your plan is accepted, contact one of our offices; we are happy to assist you in learning about your benefits.

Q: Where is SportsCare located?

SportsCare Physical Therapy has offices in Gresham, Sandy, NE Portland, Clackamas, Beaverton, and Salem. For location specific contact information click here.

What is it?

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, also known as the glenohumeral joint, and is the body’s most flexible and complex joint. It is the connection of the scapula (shoulder blade) with the humerus (upper arm), but also incorporates the motion between the shoulder blade and the upper back. With so much mobility, it is no surprise that the shoulder is prone to injury. Shoulder pain is most commonly connected to overuse activities, but also associated with acute injuries, poor body mechanics, damaged nerves, and age-related issues such as arthritis. Depending on the condition and personal tolerance, shoulder pain may vary in level of discomfort. It can range from slight soreness, to numbness and tingling, all the way to extreme burning and stabbing pain. Pain may be localized or radiate to the neck, the upper back, or the outside of the upper arm.

Causes

Shoulder pain is frequently linked to the activities we do and how we perform them. Below are some of those common causes, as well as other reasons you may be experiencing shoulder pain:

Acute injuries to the shoulder, such as falls or auto accidents
Jobs that require heavy lifting and/or repetitive arm movement (manufacturing, retail, construction, janitorial, extended computer use, etc.)
Sports such as baseball, football, tennis, gymnastics, climbing, swimming, and bowling
Overuse activities that require constant, overhead, and/or repetitive motion of the arm (gardening, painting, driving, crafting, etc)
Lack of upper body strength and conditioning
Poor posture/ergonomics
Pinched or damaged nerves
Inflammation
Advanced age

What We Treat

SportsCare Physical Therapists are experts in shoulder injury recovery. Our PT’s rehabilitate a variety of shoulder conditions, including, but not limited to:

Acromioclavicular Joint (AC Joint) Injuries
Joint replacement or reconstruction
Debridement surgeries
Shoulder Impingement
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Shoulder Instability (dislocations and separations)
Labral Tears
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Bicep Tendonitis
Osteoarthritis, bursitis

Treatment

SportsCare sees each patient as an individual with unique needs. Listening to their areas of concern, we also discuss patient goals, activity level, and general health. SportsCare Physical Therapists perform a professional evaluation and then develop a personalized treatment plan that may include: