Shoulder Pain Relief Loveland, Colorado
At Northern Colorado Spine and Sport, we understand how debilitating shoulder pain can be, affecting every aspect of your life—from work to your favorite activities. Activities such as sleeping, getting dressed, lifting weights or even reaching for your coffee cup can be affected by shoulder injury.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common joint problems in the human body. Pain can be caused by a number of different things because the shoulder contains a lot of muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluid-filled sacs and bones that work together in a small space. The most common source of shoulder pain is the rotator cuff, accounting for over two-thirds of cases.
Our dedicated team is here to offer targeted shoulder pain relief through specialized shoulder therapy techniques tailored to your unique situation.
Types of Shoulder Injuries and Their Treatments
Shoulder injuries can vary greatly in terms of severity and type. Here are some common shoulder issues we tackle:
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the small stabilizing muscles surrounding the shoulder can cause pain, weakness and instability of the shoulder joint.
- Frozen Shoulder: A hardening on the joint capsule around the shoulder joint casuing a loss of flexibility, pain and inhibited function.
- Labral tears: A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage in the shoulder joint. Two of the most common tears are the SLAP (Superior Labral tear form Anterior to Posterior) tear and the Bankart tear
- Shoulder Impingement: The most common cause of shoulder pain when bones in your shoulder rub against or pinch your rotator cuff. Untreated impingement can lead to rotator cuff tears, bone spurs, or labral tears
- Dislocations and Instability: Usually occur when the lining of the shoulder joint (the capsule), ligaments or labrum become stretched, torn or detached, allowing the ball of the shoulder joint (humeral head) to move either completely or partially out of the socket
Our Approach to Shoulder Pain Treatment
Shoulder pain treatment at Northern Colorado Spine and Sport involves a holistic approach that not only addresses the pain but also works to prevent future injuries. Our therapists use a combination of advanced manual therapy, cutting-edge modalities, and personalized exercise programs designed to:
- Alleviate pain and discomfort: using state of the art modalities such as dry needling, active-release techniques (ART), cupping and muscle tempering
- Restore function and range of motion: Our therapists will improve your flexibility with manual therapy such as soft tissue and joint mobilizations along with a “mobility-focused” home exercise program.
- Strengthen shoulder muscles: We will provide you with an individualized strength program to get your muscles firing correctly and get YOU back to the activities TOU cherish most
- Educate on posture and alignment to prevent future issues: Posture and correct exercise form are crucial to bulletproof your shoulders! Our Shoulder Pain Specialists will make sure you are equipped with the knowledge and tools healthy for years to come!
FAQ About Shoulder Pain
What are the first signs of shoulder problems that I should look out for?
Early signs can include persistent pain, restricted movement, discomfort during activities or while resting, and weakness in the shoulder. An inability to perform simple tasks without pain (picking up a frying pan, putting cloths on, etc.) or more even more demanding tasks such as participating in a sport or hobby, are signs to get you shoulder look at by one of our Shoulder Pain Specialists.
How long does it typically take to recover from a shoulder injury with physical therapy?
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the patient's response to therapy. Generally, you might see improvement within a few sessions, but full recovery could take weeks to several months depending on your injury. With our 1-on-1 approach, a significant reduction and shoulder pain can come after one session!
Are there activities I should avoid if I have shoulder pain?
It’s important to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, particularly overhead activities or those that put undue stress on the shoulder until your therapist advises otherwise. Ignoring your shoulder pain and continuing to perform painful activities can make your condition WAY worse. The sooner you rehabilitate your injury, the quicker you will get back to the activities you love most.
How can I prevent shoulder injuries in the future?
Regular strengthening and flexibility exercises, proper ergonomic setups at work and during activities, and maintaining good physical health can help prevent shoulder injuries. Annual screens and check-in’s with a specialized orthopedic physical therapist can help screen for risk factors that may but your shoulder at risk.
Don't let shoulder pain hold you back any longer. Contact Northern Colorado Spine and Sport today to schedule your appointment and start your journey back to full health and active living.
Our expert team is ready to help you achieve the best possible outcomes with comprehensive shoulder pain treatment tailored just for you. Call us now!