Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for shoulder and elbow problems, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, and golfer's elbow. Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the affected area, which can lead to improved function and quality of life.
The shoulder is amazingly complex. There are multiple bones, joints, ligaments and muscles that all have to work in harmony to allow for pain free shoulder movements. It doesn’t take a huge issue to cause significant problems and pain in a shoulder. However, fixing shoulder issues is relatively straightforward in most cases. So, if you are experiencing pain or limited range of motion in your shoulder reach out to one of our physical therapists right away and we can often prevent a minor problem from progressing to a major one.
During physical therapy sessions, your therapist will use a variety of techniques, such as stretching, manual therapy, and exercise, to help alleviate symptoms and improve function. The therapist may also provide education on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent further injury.
Studies have shown that physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain shoulder and elbow conditions, such as rotator cuff tears and tennis elbow. In fact, physical therapy may be the first line of treatment for many patients with these conditions, with surgery being reserved for cases where conservative measures are unsuccessful.
Overall, the effectiveness of physical therapy for shoulder and elbow problems depends on a number of factors, such as the severity and type of injury, the patient's overall health and fitness level, and their commitment to the treatment plan. However, in many cases, physical therapy can be an effective and non-invasive option for treating these types of injuries.