Almost everyone experiences shoulder pain occasionally, but if your symptoms persist or interfere with your ability to work or exercise, it’s essential to identify the cause. At Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, in New York City, experienced physical therapist Alexander Dolsky, DPT, and the team provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for shoulder pain. To make an appointment, call the office in Forest Hills, Queens, or book online today.
Shoulder pain is swelling, stiffness, or general discomfort that affects one or both of your shoulder joints. Your shoulders are ball and socket joints surrounded by a layer of cartilage called the rotator cuff. These tissues work together, allowing you to reach above your head, grab, and throw.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint, but it typically responds to at-home treatments. If your symptoms last for more than a few days, or they keep you from activities you love, contact Alexander and the team.
Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including:
You might also experience shoulder pain due to a car accident.
A physical therapy consultation for shoulder pain begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms, including if the pain occurs in one shoulder or both if your shoulder hurts when you’re resting, and if the pain is sharp or dull.
Next, Alexander conducts an exam. He assesses your shoulder joint for signs of bruising, swelling, or redness. Then, Alexander presses on the joint and has you perform a series of exercises to observe its flexibility and range of motion. Alexander also orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out underlying issues, like fractures or a dislocated joint.
After pinpointing the source of your shoulder pain, Alexander and the team develop a custom physical therapy and rehab plan.
Alexander and the team use various types of physical therapy to treat shoulder pain. They might recommend:
The goal of physical therapy is to relieve the pain, enhance your shoulder’s mobility, and speed up your body’s natural healing process.
The length of time that it takes for physical therapy to relieve shoulder pain depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Alexander and the team usually recommend a series of visits spaced over 3-4 months.* That said, if your symptoms persist, it might take longer.
To see if physical therapy can relieve your shoulder pain, make an appointment at Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, by calling the office or booking online today.
*Individual results may vary.