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Shoulder Pain Treatment

Shoulder pain will cause everyday activities to become painful, and even simple tasks like reaching for an item or throwing a ball will become challenging. If you cannot lift your child or reach for an item from a kitchen cabinet without pain, it is time to seek help, and the good news is that there are treatments that can help eliminate shoulder pain.

Physiotherapy and acupuncture are both effective in this regard, and these treatments do not involve painkillers or medication, so they are worth trying. We will consider your injury type, lifestyle, and any additional risk factors. We will then create a customized treatment plan based on this information.

Types of Shoulder Pain

Frozen Shoulder

Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint are symptoms of a frozen shoulder that can last several months. Acupuncture and physiotherapy will help manage your pain through manual therapy and specific exercises. A physiotherapist will work with the stabilizing muscles and on muscle balance and patterning. They will consider the severity of your pain and help you modify your activities at work and home. The recovery process will be gradual so expect slow and steady progress over time.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Pain and stiffness when raising or lowering your arm are symptoms of this injury, as is minor pain present both during activity and while resting. Sudden pain with lifting and reaching movements and pain radiating from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm are also signs of this condition, usually resulting from an injury that will set off a cycle of inflammation and pain. 

Acupuncture is very effective and can be combined with other therapeutic approaches like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), moist heat, and ice. A physiotherapist will improve the active and passive range of motion through exercise and manual therapy to help you manage your pain. You can expect a rapid healing phase, so do not wait to seek treatment if you suffer from this condition.

Shoulder Tendon Tear

Pain or weakness when lifting or lowering your arm with specific movements and pain while resting or at night are symptoms of this condition, as is a crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions. There are two kinds of tears; a partial one that will damage the soft tissue without completely severing it and a complete tear that will split the soft tissue into two pieces. Repeating the same motion over and over again can cause repetitive stress, and this can lead to tendon tears. Baseball, tennis, and weightlifting can put you at risk, as can routine jobs and chores.

A physiotherapist will apply the same approach as tendonitis for a partial tear, although a full tear would most likely require surgery. A physiotherapist can work with post-surgical patients to ensure optimal recovery.

Here at Apex Physiotherapy & Chiropractic, we can help treat shoulder pain, so you can rely on our services. If you are interested in acupuncture or are looking for a reputable physiotherapist near me in the Pickering or Ajax areas, contact us today to schedule an appointment!