Shoulder pain affects up to 50 percent of the Indian population, but it doesn’t have to spoil your summer plans. Even if you suffer from shoulder pain, physical therapy can help you swim, dive, run, play sports, and man the grill without pain. Here’s how physical therapy can help you enjoy all your summer activities to the fullest.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is common and can keep you away from the pool and disrupt your daily life. It can have several causes, but they all lead to similar symptoms: aching or stabbing pain in the shoulder, clicking, grinding or popping sensations, and discomfort during certain movements or activities (such as swimming).
This pain can be caused by illness, injury, or overuse. Whether you’re an active athlete, an older adult, a professional, or a busy parent, shoulder pain can affect you. Some common causes include:
- Arthritis
- Torn cartilage
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Bursitis
- Overuse
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone spurs
- Torn rotator cuff
- Pinched nerve
- Sports injuries
How Does Physical Therapy Help Shoulder Pain?
Regardless of the cause, physical therapy can address both the discomfort and its underlying cause. Here’s how a skilled physical therapist in Delhi can help alleviate your pain, improve your range of motion, strengthen your arm, and get you back to health.
Evaluation of Your Current Condition
Before treatment begins, a physical therapist will identify the cause of your shoulder pain and evaluate your shoulder. This process includes assessing your range of motion, testing the strength in your arm and shoulder, identifying the severity of your pain, and pinpointing the cause. If necessary, they may also use imaging or other diagnostic tools.
During this evaluation, you will also discuss your personal goals. If you are a competitive swimmer, your goal might be to return to competition, while if you are a parent, your goal might be to keep up with your kids in the community pool. These goals will guide your physical therapist in choosing the best treatment approach.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Once your physical therapist in Delhi understands your condition, they can create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to your daily activities and back into the pool. There are many tools and techniques available to address shoulder pain, including:
Therapeutic Exercises
These exercises, completed with your therapist, aim to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion by targeting important areas of the shoulder, such as the muscles and tendons.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on treatments designed to reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, improve joint mobility, and boost your range of motion. Techniques may include joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching.
Modalities
In addition to exercises and manual therapy, your physical therapist may use additional treatments known as modalities, which may include:
- Heat therapy
- Ice therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Laser therapy
- Athletic taping
- Dry needling
- Resistance bands
Education and Home Exercises
To complement your in-clinic work, you will need to complete certain exercises at home. Your physical therapist will provide the education and guidance you need to continue your regimen. Topics might include:
- Postural training
- Body mechanics
- Modifications to daily habits
- At-home strength-building exercises
Progress Tracking
As you attend physical therapy sessions and complete your home exercises, your physical therapist will monitor your progress to ensure you are meeting your recovery goals. They will adjust your plan and treatment as needed and address any concerns or questions you have.
Schedule an Appointment
If you want to enjoy the pool and all your summer activities without shoulder pain, schedule an appointment at PHYWorld, the leading physical therapy clinic in Punjabi Bagh and Defence Colony, Delhi. Our compassionate and skilled team is dedicated to creating a personalized treatment plan that fortifies you from within and empowers you to accomplish your objectives.