Shoulder Injury

If you struggle with shoulder pain and limited range of motion, Kevin McGovern, PT, CSCS, at Perfect Motion Sports Therapy in Acton, Massachusetts, offers physical therapy to rehabilitate your injured shoulder. By strengthening and gradually developing your flexibility, it may help to heal your shoulder injury and bring long-lasting comfort. To find pain relief for a shoulder injury, call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.

What causes shoulder injuries?

Your shoulder is a complex structure of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. When damage or inflammation affects any of these components, pain and a limited range of motion are the result.

From swinging a golf club to doing the dishes, most daily activities engage a group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint called the rotator cuff. This critical area is highly vulnerable to injury, especially as people age. 

Whether injured in an accident or damaged by conditions like arthritis, inflamed tissues in and around the rotator cuff put pressure on your nerves, producing considerable pain. 

Shoulder injuries can have a wide range of causes, including:

• Broken arm or collarbone
• Broken or dislocated shoulder
• Dead bone tissue caused by circulatory issues (avascular necrosis)
• Frozen or stiff shoulder muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Joint inflammation from bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Strain or injury in neighboring tendons
• Tendonitis
• Torn rotator cuff

A heart attack can also cause shoulder pain. If you experience severe, radiating pain in the shoulder accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating, visit your nearest emergency room (ER) and get medical attention immediately.

What are the symptoms of a shoulder injury?

When determining the cause of your shoulder injury, Dr. McGovern pinpoints the area of pain and evaluates the intensity of your pain. For example, discomfort in the area where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet indicates a problem with the AC joint.

In many instances, shoulder pain is accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Limited range of arm motion
• Clicking or snapping sounds during movement
• Weak muscles in the shoulder and arms
• Tender shoulder and arm tissues

At Perfect Motion Sports Therapy, Dr. McGovern can help you gradually build strength and flexibility with your shoulder, making movement more smoother and less painful over time. 

How is a shoulder injury treated?

Dr. McGovern performs a comprehensive physical exam. He may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs to pinpoint your area of pain. 

Once he determines the cause of your pain, he develops a physical therapy plan using the latest nonsurgical techniques, including:

• Electrical stimulation
• Massage therapy 
• Ultrasound therapy 
• Joint manipulation
• Kinesiology taping

If you want to end the pain and debilitation of a chronic shoulder condition, Dr. McGovern is ready to help. Delivering individualized care, he uses the most advanced therapies to restore shoulder mobility and free you from pain.

To find a therapeutic solution to your shoulder injury, contact Perfect Motion Sports Therapy online or by phone today.