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Category: Shoulder Pain

  • Three common shoulder injuries from falling

    Three common shoulder injuries from falling

    You’re walking around your house. You stumble on the edge of a rug and fall on your shoulder. Such a scenario is a fairly common one, and it can have serious consequences. 

    For instance, many common shoulder injuries result from falling, and falls are often a source of injury. One medical study reports that about 20% of falls cause a serious injury like a fracture or head injury. Determining which shoulder injury you’ve developed from falling down doesn’t have to be hard. Working with a physical therapist is one way to easily learn what common shoulder injury you have. These specialists can help you find effective treatment for many shoulder injuries as well. 

    These are three of the most common shoulder injuries from falling

    The shoulder is a complex and unstable joint. Its instability and complexity allow it to have a large range of motion. However, these traits also leave it vulnerable to injury during a fall. A few of the most common shoulder injuries people get from falling down include: 

    What can physical therapists do to treat common shoulder injuries from falling?

    After you’re through the initial healing stage, physical therapists can do a lot to treat shoulder injuries. Some therapy methods your therapist may include in your treatment plan are:

    Find help with common shoulder injuries from falling at Continuum Wellness

    Have you developed one of these common shoulder injuries from falling down? You can find effective physical therapy for your injury from our team at Continuum Wellness. We offer free screenings intended to help us learn how your injury is affecting you. In addition, our physical therapists are adept at building personalized therapy plans designed to help: 

    • Reduce shoulder pain.
    • Boost shoulder range of motion. 
    • Increase your ability to do normal daily activities. 
    • Cut your risk of future shoulder injuries. 

    We can even help you treat your injury from home if you sign up for a virtual therapy or at-home care session with us. 

    Contact our team today for more information about all the shoulder issues we can help you treat or to schedule your initial appointment. 

  • Five pinched nerve in shoulder symptoms that mean you may need treatment

    Five pinched nerve in shoulder symptoms that mean you may need treatment

    You use your shoulder for several activities throughout the day. You probably don’t pay it much mind until it is in pain; then you realize how important your shoulder is to most of your arm’s movements.

    Shoulder pain varies depending on the cause. It’s normal to experience mild soreness after some physically demanding activity or sleeping in an awkward position all night. However, if you have a persistent, pinching sensation in the shoulder, you may have a pinched nerve.

    Five typical pinched nerve in shoulder symptoms

    What you perceive as a pinched nerve in the shoulder is actually related to a condition in the spine, particularly the cervical spine (the part of the spine that passes through your neck). Conditions that exert pressure on the nerves in your cervical spine can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms to travel along the nerves and be experienced in the shoulder region.

    Usually, these conditions are not life threatening but should be treated by a professional to help reduce pain and improve your range of motion.

    Signs of a pinched nerve in the shoulder that indicate you may need to seek treatment include:

    1. A sharp pain as opposed to an achy pain that you normally experience after overworking your muscles.
    2. Pain when turning your head.
    3. Headaches that feel like they stem from the back of your head and neck.
    4. Tingling, numbness and weakness in the shoulder.
    5. Pain that spreads from the neck and shoulder down into the arm.

     

    If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a health care professional for an examination and, if necessary, treatment.

    Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in the shoulder treatment

    Are you struggling with shoulder pain that limits the use of your arm and even your neck? If you suspect you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder or are dealing with another condition that needs treatment, our physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy can help.

    We can examine your condition and develop a personalized treatment to help you manage your condition. Contact our team today for more information about pinched nerve in the shoulder treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • What are common symptoms of shoulder tendinitis?

    What are common symptoms of shoulder tendinitis?

    Pain is probably the most common symptom of shoulder tendinitis, but this symptom can also come from many other shoulder conditions. Physical therapists can help you learn more about the symptoms that are specific to shoulder tendinitis.

    Shoulder tendinitis occurs when the rotator cuff or biceps tendons in your shoulder become inflamed. This condition is a common one in older Americans; it’s estimated that more than 60% of Americans over 80 will develop shoulder tendinitis or another shoulder issue. Working with a physical therapist can help you learn if your symptoms are consistent with shoulder tendinitis. In addition, these specialists can help you find effective treatment for your shoulder pain and other symptoms. 

    Six common symptoms of shoulder tendinitis

    Physical therapists are trained to treat many musculoskeletal disorders, such as shoulder tendinitis. This training gives them the ability to recognize the signs of this shoulder issue, and some of the common signs of shoulder tendinitis include: 

    1. Pain in the front or top of the shoulder.
    2. Pain that radiates from the outer arm to just below the top of the shoulder. 
    3. Difficulty sleeping comfortably, especially on the affected side. 
    4. Trouble remaining asleep. 
    5. Symptoms that get worse when reaching above the head or behind the back. 
    6. Clicking noises in the shoulder when raising the arm. 

    How can physical therapists help treat your shoulder tendinitis?

    There are a variety of therapy methods that physical therapists can use to treat shoulder tendinitis. A few of these techniques are: 

    • Cupping therapy that focuses on improving blood flow to the injured shoulder tendon.

    Find help for your shoulder tendinitis symptoms at Whatcom PT

    Ready to find top-notch treatment for your shoulder tendinitis symptoms? Our Whatcom Physical Therapy team is primed to help you get the effective treatment you need. We offer free screenings that can confirm you have shoulder tendinitis. Also, our physical therapists excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to offer benefits like: 

    • Reducing pain.
    • Improving shoulder function.
    • Increasing your ability to do normal daily tasks. 
    • Decreasing the risk of future shoulder problems. 

    You can even sign up for a virtual therapy session with our team to get treatment right from your home. 

    Contact our team today for more information about how we can help address your shoulder symptoms or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • What can physical therapists do for the burning pain in my shoulder?

    What can physical therapists do for the burning pain in my shoulder?

    That burning pain in your shoulder is becoming a daily occurrence, and nothing you’ve tried has been able to get rid of the pain. If this is the situation you’re in, you should consider getting help from a physical therapist. 

    Shoulder pain is something that many U.S. adults have experienced in their lives, which isn’t surprising since medical research shows that up to 66.7% of people develop shoulder pain in their lifetime. There are many treatment options that physical therapists offer that you may not have tried for your shoulder pain. Often, your therapist will combine multiple therapy techniques in a treatment plan designed to reduce the burning pain in your shoulder.  

    Three physical therapy techniques used to treat burning pain in the shoulder

    Physical therapists are experts at treating many musculoskeletal disorders, including issues that can cause burning pain in the shoulder. Some of the issues your therapist could pinpoint as the cause of your pain are bursitis, tendinitis or brachial neuritis. 

    Which therapy methods your therapist uses will depend on what’s causing your pain. Some of the therapy techniques that they may use include: 

    1. Joint mobilization — Therapists use their hands to guide your shoulder through its normal range of motion (ROM) when performing joint mobilization. Tense shoulder muscles and other tissue tend to lead to more pain. Thus, improving shoulder ROM can often lead to significant pain reduction. One study reports that joint mobilization helped improve shoulder ROM by nearly 27 degrees on average. 
    1. Soft tissue mobilization — This therapy method also involves therapists using their hands. In this case, their hands are used to apply pressure and friction to restricted soft tissue. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for breaking down knots in shoulder muscles. It can also help break up scar tissue in the shoulder. A study reveals that this technique helped reduce shoulder pain by 26.5 mm on the visual analogue scale. 
    1. Dry needling — Your physical therapist can use dry needling to address myofascial trigger points that are beyond the reach of their hands. This technique is intended to cause the targeted soft tissue to twitch; this twitch can help realign the tissue fibers. Dry needling can help reduce shoulder pain. Medical researchers found that using this technique on shoulder muscle trigger points led to a nearly 24% decrease in pain a week after treatment. 

    Find help for the burning pain in your shoulder at Border Therapy Services

    Fed up with feeling a burning pain in your shoulder every day? Our team at Border Therapy Services is ready and willing to help you address your pain. We offer free screenings that can help determine the source of your pain. 

    You’ll also find that our physical therapists excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to reduce pain. Even better, you can get help right from your home if you sign up for an at-home care or virtual therapy session with one of our therapists. 

    Contact us today for more information about our shoulder pain treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment. 

  • Why do I have shoulder and upper arm pain?

    Why do I have shoulder and upper arm pain?

    The answer to this question is not always obvious, and it can change from person to person. However, these facts don’t change how important figuring out why you have shoulder and upper arm pain is. 

    Shoulder pain is one of the most common types of pain. Medical researchers estimate that up to 31% of Americans have shoulder pain in any given month. Shoulder pain can also radiate into your upper arm through the nerves that connect these two areas. A physical therapist can help you figure out what is causing your shoulder and upper arm pain, and they can also offer effective treatment options for your pain.  

    Five issues that can cause shoulder and upper arm pain

    There are many issues that can lead to discomfort in the shoulder and upper arm. Some of the more common of these issues are: 

    1. Rotator cuff injuries — The rotator cuff, made up of four muscles and tendons, helps lift your arm. Sports players are especially likely to develop a rotator cuff injury. 
    1. Cervical nerve irritation/impingement — A study reports that this issue occurs in about 85 in every 100,000 Americans annually. It happens when one of the nerve roots in the neck is pinched or irritated. 
    1. Frozen shoulder — This condition causes progressive stiffness and pain in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder is more common in people over 40 and those who have previously injured their shoulder. 
    1. Shoulder osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint naturally wears away over time. It’s estimated that about 33% of people over 60 have some level of shoulder osteoarthritis. 
    1. Brachial neuritis — This issue occurs when the brachial nerves that control your shoulder and arm become inflamed. Brachial neuritis affects a person’s dominant arm 60% of the time. 

    What physical therapy methods can help your shoulder and upper arm pain?

    Treating your shoulder and upper arm discomfort can be accomplished in many ways. Your physical therapist might decide to use treatment techniques on you such as: 

    Find help for your shoulder pain at Advent Physical Therapy

    Are your shoulder and upper arm in pain? Our team at Advent PT can help you find treatment that can effectively reduce your pain. We’ll start by performing a free screening that can pinpoint the cause of your pain. Then, our physical therapists will create a unique therapy plan for you designed to decrease your pain and prevent its return. 

    Don’t want to leave home to get your shoulder pain treated? That’s no problem! Our team offers therapy services you can use right in your home, including at-home care and virtual therapy. 

    Contact our team today for more information about our shoulder pain treatment services or to schedule your initial appointment.

  • Three exercises for treating shoulder and upper arm pain

    Three exercises for treating shoulder and upper arm pain

    The shoulder and upper arm muscles help people perform many normal daily activities. For instance, your biceps help lift your arm to sip your coffee, and your triceps help lower your cup back to the table. 

    Unfortunately, it’s likely that you’ll experience shoulder and upper arm pain at some point in your life, and medical research shows that up to 26% of people have shoulder pain at any given time. In turn, this can make doing everyday tasks much more difficult. By seeking help from a physical therapist, you can successfully address your shoulder and upper arm pain. One way these specialists can help you is by showing you how to do therapeutic exercises such as: 

    1. Shoulder rolls

    Purpose: This exercise is intended to help stretch your shoulder muscles, which can help decrease your shoulder and upper arm pain.

    How to do shoulder rolls:

    • Sit at the front of a stable chair with your back upright and your head centered over your shoulders. 
    • Slowly roll your shoulders forward in a circle until you’ve returned to the starting position. 
    • Repeat this step until you’ve done five to 10 forward rolls. 
    • Then, slowly roll your shoulders backward for another five to 10 reps. 
    • Repeat this exercise as necessary. 
    1. Triceps stretch

    Purpose: The triceps stretch is intended to decrease shoulder and upper arm pain by reducing tension in the triceps muscles. 

    How to do the triceps stretch:

    • Sit on the edge of a stable chair with upright posture. 
    • Lift your right arm so that it’s extending straight up over your head. 
    • Bend your elbow so that your forearm is behind you. 
    • Place your left hand on your right elbow and gently pull your elbow backward until you feel a stretch in the back of your upper arm.
    • Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds. 
    • Relax for a few seconds; then do the stretch on your left arm. 
    • Repeat the stretch until you’ve stretched each tricep for 45 to 60 seconds. 
    1. Standing biceps stretch

    Purpose: This therapeutic exercise is intended to stretch the chest, biceps and shoulders; it can help decrease shoulder and upper arm pain. 

    How to do the standing biceps stretch:

    • Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. 
    • Place both hands at the base of your spine with palms facing backward and fingers interlaced. 
    • Straighten your arms and lift them up as high as you can. 
    • Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds. 
    • Take a brief break.
    • Repeat the stretch until you’ve done it for 45 to 60 seconds in total. 

    Find top-notch treatment for your shoulder and upper arm pain at SSOR

    Fed up with feeling shoulder and upper arm pain? At SSOR, our physiotherapy team can help you find effective treatment for the pain you’re living with. A free screening by our therapists can pinpoint the cause of your pain, and then we can create a customized physical therapy plan designed to reduce it. 

    Can’t make it into one of our therapy clinics? No worries! Our team offers at-home care and virtual therapy services that allow you to get help right in your own home. 

    Contact us today for more information about all the treatment options we offer for your pain or to schedule your initial appointment. 

  • The most likely cause of burning pain in your shoulder

    The most likely cause of burning pain in your shoulder

    Burning pain in your shoulder can hamper your ability to do many normal daily tasks. For instance, you might have difficulty driving, or you might find getting yourself dressed in the morning a painful chore. One issue that’s likely to cause this type of pain is subacromial bursitis. 

    Subacromial bursitis occurs when a bursa in the shoulder becomes inflamed, and one study found that 65.5% of patients surveyed for shoulder pain had this issue in one of their shoulders. There are many underlying issues that can lead to subacromial bursitis. A physical therapist can help you learn which issues are triggering this condition in your shoulder. These specialists can also help you find effective treatment for the burning pain in your shoulder caused by subacromial bursitis. 

    Underlying issues that can cause subacromial bursitis

    Typically, burning pain in the shoulder from subacromial bursitis is a result of underlying issues, and these issues often develop over time. Some underlying issues that can lead to subacromial bursitis include: 

    • Repetitive arm movements.
    • Poor shoulder mechanics during sports.
    • Poor posture.
    • Impacts to the shoulder.
    • Wear and tear caused by aging. 
    • Poor shoulder flexibility.

    What can physical therapists do to treat subacromial bursitis?

    There are a variety of ways that a physical therapist can treat the burning pain in your shoulder from this condition. Some techniques your therapist may use to help your pain include: 

    • Aquatic therapy designed to reduce stress on the shoulder while doing therapy movements. 
    • Therapeutic exercises that can help stretch and strengthen shoulder muscles and decrease subacromial bursa irritation. 
    • Dry needling intended to break up knots of tension in shoulder soft tissue. 
    • Joint mobilization that focuses on improving the flexibility and mobility of the shoulder joint and its supporting soft tissue. 

    Find treatment for subacromial bursitis at Rehab Access PT

    Are you experiencing burning pain in your shoulder? Our physical therapists at Rehab Access Physical Therapy are ready to help you find the cause of your pain and treat it effectively. To start, our specialists will evaluate your shoulder to pinpoint the source of your pain. Next, we’ll create a unique therapy plan for you that’s designed to offer benefits like: 

    • Reducing pain.
    • Improving your ability to do normal daily tasks.
    • Increasing shoulder flexibility. 
    • Decreasing your risk of future shoulder problems. 

    You’ll even be able to work with one of our physical therapists in your home if you sign up for a virtual therapy session. 

    Contact our team today for more information about our shoulder pain treatment services or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • Am I at risk for pain in my neck and shoulder that radiates down my arm?

    Am I at risk for pain in my neck and shoulder that radiates down my arm?

    Almost anyone can feel pain in their neck and shoulder that radiates down their arm. However, there are certain people who may have a higher risk of developing this type of pain. 

    Pain that starts in the neck and shoulder before radiating down the arm is typically caused by cervical radiculopathy. This condition is more commonly called a pinched neck nerve. A study of cervical radiculopathy reveals that this issue affects 6.3% of the general population over their lifetime. Physical therapists can help you learn if you might be at risk of developing cervical radiculopathy. In addition, these specialists can help you treat the pain in the neck and shoulder radiating down the arm that this condition can cause. 

    Common risk factors for cervical radiculopathy

    There are many factors that can increase your risk of cervical radiculopathy. Having one or more of these risk factors may mean you’re more likely to develop pain in the neck and shoulder that radiates down your arm:

    • Age — The risk of pinched neck nerves increases as a person ages. Generally, the risk is highest when you’re between the ages of 40 and 59. 
    • Doing repetitive neck movements — Years of repetitive neck movements can wear out structures in the neck. In turn, this makes cervical radiculopathy more likely. 
    • Working with vibrating equipment — The vibrations caused by certain work equipment, such as jackhammers, can lead to a greater pinched nerve risk. 
    • Repeatedly overstressing your neck muscles — Activities like weightlifting can put a lot of stress on your neck muscles. Over time, this can increase your risk of pinched neck nerves. Forward head posture can also cause neck muscles to be overstressed and increase your risk of this condition.

    What can physical therapists do to help treat cervical radiculopathy?

    Physical therapists are often able to reduce pain in your neck and shoulder from cervical radiculopathy, and they can also help you stop pain from radiating down your arm. These are two common goals of customized therapy plans for a pinched neck nerve. 

    A few of the therapy techniques your unique plan may include are: 

    Peak Performance offers effective treatment for cervical radiculopathy

    Tired of feeling pain in your neck and shoulder that radiates down your arm? Our Peak Performance team offers effective physical therapy that can help treat your cervical radiculopathy symptoms. 

    We’ll start by doing a free screening on your neck to confirm this issue is causing your symptoms. Then, our physical therapists can build you an individualized therapy plan designed to reduce your pain and prevent pinched neck nerves in the future. We can even help you get therapy from home thanks to our virtual therapy service. 

    Contact us today for more information about how we can treat a pinched neck nerve or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • What to do about a partial rotator cuff tear

    What to do about a partial rotator cuff tear

    Pain in your shoulders can occur for a variety of reasons. There are several bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments in each shoulder joint that are vulnerable to a wide range of conditions and injuries. One such injury that is relatively common is a rotator cuff tear.

    A rotator cuff tear is a tear along one of the muscles or tendons in your rotator cuff, which is a group of soft tissue surrounding the joint of each of your shoulders. It is responsible for helping to hold the joint together while also powering your arm for a wide range of activities. 

    Rotator cuff tears vary in severity from partial to total. A total tear is when the muscle or tendon is completely or mostly torn. In these circumstances, you will probably need surgery followed up by physical therapy for treatment.

    A partial tear occurs when less than half of the muscle or tendon is torn. In these circumstances, you should be able to recover with the help of physical therapy alone, although there are some cases where surgery might be necessary as well.

    Treating a partial rotator cuff tear with physical therapy

    The main goal of physical therapy for a partial rotator cuff tear is usually to improve the strength and flexibility of targeted muscles and tissue around your injured muscle or tendon. Stronger muscles and tissue help provide support for the injured tissue, which can allow it to recover more easily with less strain and pressure.

    Physical therapy treatments for partial rotator cuff tears often include:

    • Gentle stretches and exercises for improving strength and flexibility.
    • Soft tissue mobilization for reducing pain, improving range of motion, and preventing or breaking down scar tissue.
    • Posture guidance for helping reduce unnecessary strain off your shoulder while it’s recovering.
    • Patient education for showing you how to safely perform certain activities, such as changing a shirt, while your shoulder recovers.

    Visit SSOR today for rotator cuff tear treatment

    Has your doctor recently diagnosed your shoulder pain as a partial rotator cuff tear? You should visit a physical therapist for treatment. Our team at SSOR can identify the source of pain in your shoulder and work on a treatment designed to help reduce the pain and improve your range of motion. Contact our team today for more information about treating a rotator cuff tear or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • Four tips for how to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder

    Four tips for how to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder

    Nobody is a stranger to a sore or stiff neck or shoulder. Mild soreness and pain is a normal part of life that may occur from overexertion or sitting with poor posture for too long. However, when your neck and shoulders are frequently stiff, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. 

    By making some simple adjustments to the way you sleep, you may be able to get a good night’s rest and also help reduce neck and shoulder pain.

    How to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder

    1. Change your position — Poor sleeping position might not only make it hard to sleep with neck and shoulder pain, it may also be the cause of your pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it forces you to turn your head for hours at a time, which strains your neck and shoulders.

      Instead, sleep on your back or on your side. Make sure your spine is aligned and supported to help reduce and prevent a stiff neck and shoulder.

    2. Use a better pillow — A pillow that is too flat or too big will cause your neck to be out of alignment while sleeping. You’ll wake up with a stiff neck and shoulder on a regular basis.

      Find a pillow that provides the right amount of support you need to keep your neck aligned with your spine.

    3. Stretch and exercise — Stretching and exercising on a regular basis can help keep your muscles strong and flexible to help prevent stiffness. Stretching before going to bed and when waking up can help reduce stiffness in the neck and shoulder when sleeping.
    4. Visit a physical therapist — Your stiffness may be connected to an injury or a chronic medical condition that requires professional treatment. Physical therapists can examine your neck and shoulders to identify the cause of your pain and stiffness. They can guide you through a personalized treatment routine to help you manage your pain, improve your range of motion and perform simple tasks, such as getting a good night’s sleep.

    Visit Panther Physical Therapy for stiff neck and shoulder pain treatment

    Do you have trouble sleeping due to a stiff neck and shoulder? Physical therapy can help reduce shoulder and neck pain, so you can enjoy more of your favorite activities and get a better night’s sleep. Our team at Panther Physical Therapy can examine your neck and shoulder and work on a treatment that can help you reduce your pain and stiffness, especially while sleeping. Contact our team for more information about how to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • What are the treatment options for a partial rotator cuff tear?

    Each of your shoulders is able to support the weight of your arms and power your arms for a wide range of activities thanks to the rotator cuffs. Each rotator cuff is a group of muscles, tendons and ligaments around the bones of the shoulder joint. These muscles, tendons and ligaments must all work together to help keep the joint intact and to power it for activities involving the use of your arm.

    When the rotator cuff is injured, it can limit the use of your entire arm. There are many injuries and conditions that can affect your shoulders, but one of the most common is a rotator cuff tear.

    What is a rotator cuff tear?

    Overexertion from physical activity or an injury to the shoulder can cause one of the muscles in the rotator cuff to tear. When this happens, you will feel pain and have a limited range of motion in the shoulder.

    There are two categories of rotator cuff tears: total and partial.

    In a total tear, the muscle completely tears or might be connected by only a small bit. In these circumstances, surgery is almost always required for repair. Physical therapy before and after the surgery can help manage the pain and improve the outcome of your surgery.

    In a partial tear, less than half of the muscle is torn. In these circumstances, surgery may be recommended. However, in many cases, you can recover with physical therapy alone.

    Treating a partial rotator cuff tear with physical therapy

    Physical therapists specialize in a wide range of techniques for treating partial rotator cuff tears. The goal is usually to improve the strength and flexibility of the surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments, so your injured one has more space and support to heal.

    Physical therapy treatments vary from person to person depending on their needs, but generally, you can expect treatment for a partial rotator cuff tear to include:

    • Gentle exercises for increasing strength.
    • Gentle stretches for improving flexibility.
    • Soft tissue mobilization for breaking down scar tissue.
    • Posture guidance for reducing strain on the shoulder caused by poor posture.
    • Patient education for how to perform daily activities with the challenges presented by your injury.

    Visit Armor Physical Therapy for partial rotator cuff tear treatment

    Do you have a partial rotator cuff tear that is limiting the use of your shoulder and arm? Even if you are not sure if your injury is a tear, our physical therapists can help. We can examine your condition to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment to help you recover. Contact our team today for more information about partial rotator cuff tears or to schedule an initial appointment.

  • Why do I have pain in my neck and shoulder radiating down my arm?

    Why do I have pain in my neck and shoulder radiating down my arm?

    Neck pain and shoulder pain are normal parts of life. It’s not unusual to have a sore neck or shoulder after a long day of physical work or sports activities. However, when you have pain in the neck and shoulder radiating down your arm, you might understandably be concerned.

    Pain in your neck and shoulder radiating down the arm can be related to different conditions, so it’s best to let a health care professional perform an examination to achieve a diagnosis. Usually, this type of pain is related to cervical radiculopathy, better known as a pinched nerve.

    What causes a pinched nerve?

    A pinched nerve refers to a nerve in your neck that has become irritated due to an increase of pressure on it. Muscle tension, herniated discs and bone spurs are just a few examples of conditions that can “pinch” the nerve in your neck. 

    When this affects a nerve ending that extends into your shoulder, you may feel pain, tingling and weakness that radiates through the shoulder and down into your arm. 

    Treatment for pain in the neck and shoulder radiating down the arm

    Treatments for a pinched nerve in your neck vary depending on the cause of the condition. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct the issue. However, in many cases, you can get relief with physical therapy.

    Physical therapists can assess your neck, shoulders and arms to identify the source of your pain and work on a personalized treatment. The main goal of most physical therapy treatments is to build your strength and flexibility in targeted areas. This helps to reduce pressure off the irritated nerves and can prevent similar pain from popping up again.

    Physical therapy treatments vary depending on your needs, but usually, they include:

    • Gentle stretches
    • Therapeutic exercises
    • Soft tissue mobilization
    • Joint mobilization
    • Posture guidance

    Visit Rehab Access today for neck and shoulder pain treatment

    Do you have pain in your neck and shoulder that radiates down into your arm? Our physical therapists at Rehab Access can assess your condition and guide you through a personalized treatment to help manage your pain. Contact our team today for more information about pinched nerve pain or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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