The shoulder is the most complicated and mobile joint in the body. And as mobility in a joint increases, stability often decreases. Additionally, because the shoulder joint in particular is so complex, there are many areas within it that can develop dysfunction. Often, that dysfunction may result in pain, decreased range of motion, weakness, and functional limitations.
Because of the shoulder joint’s complexity, expert movement analysis is needed to truly get to the root of your problem. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists have many years of medical training in movement analysis and can help pinpoint the cause of your pain. Once they get to the root of the problem, your therapist will design a comprehensive treatment plan that will address pain, weakness, and range of motion. As we apply that plan, you’ll notice function, strength, and mobility returning to your shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist.
Common Shoulder Ailments We Can Help With
Since the shoulder is so complex and mobile, most people will have an issue with it at some point in their lives. The good news is, your aches, pains, weakness, and limitations can be managed and even minimized. Here are some common shoulder conditions that our team can help you with:
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Cartilage tear
- Frozen Shoulder
- Separation
- Rotator Cuff tear
- Bursitis
- Impingement
- Tendinitis
- Arthiritis
Occasionally, shoulder pain can be referred, meaning that you may feel pain in your shoulder when there’s actually nothing wrong with it. Instead, the pain is coming from another place in your body – often the liver, gallbladder, or another organ. At Teton Therapy, we will work closely with your doctor to make sure we’re taking the correct steps to remedy your problem – especially if it’s indicative of a deeper issue.
In some cases, sudden shoulder pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. If you feel sudden pain, tightness in your chest, and are having trouble breathing, call 911 right away.
Short-Term Vs Long-Term Pain Solutions
If you live with shoulder pain, then we’re sure you’re familiar with the common remedies used to alleviate it. You’re probably well acquainted with hot and cold compresses, as well as pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. While these treatments are effective at relieving pain in the short term, they’re “band-aid solutions” in the long run. If you want long-term relief – as well as the increased strength and mobility that comes with it – then you need to get to the root of the problem and treat it. That’s where we can help.
Options For Treatment
Our therapists are highly trained and have years of experience in helping people regain mobility, recover from injury, and manage chronic pain. Whether you come in on your own or are referred by your doctor, we’ll start with some form of diagnostic testing to make sure we create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to help rehabilitate, strengthen, and improve flexibility in your shoulder. If you’re recovering from an injury, we’ll focus on exercises that will build up strength and help your body heal fully and properly. Our therapists may also use therapeutic exercise to help strengthen and heal your shoulder.
Additionally, we have the option to include manual therapy in your sessions, which helps restore flexibility and manage pain. We also have several trained Occupational Therapists on staff who can help you recover and maintain daily skills that you may have lost after an injury or illness. As we create your treatment plan, we’ll incorporate any of these options that will help treat your condition, minimize your pain, and help you regain function and mobility.
Come see us at Teton Therapy (with locations in Cheyenne, Riverton, and Lander) for a free consultation. Imagine what you could do without shoulder pain holding you back!