Shoulder impingement can often be resolved through physical therapy without the need for surgical intervention. Upon your initial evaluation at Elite Physical therapy your physical therapist will instruct you through a series of special tests to determine if you are experiencing shoulder impingement syndrome. These tests involve placing your arm in a specific position and activating certain muscles of the rotator cuff. If these tests are positive and your pain is reproduced then it is likely that you are impinging.
Following your evaluation and a positive diagnosis, your physical therapy team will develop and guide you through an individualized exercise program. This exercise program will be geared specifically to you and your shoulder injury. These exercises will help strengthen weak muscles around the shoulder and to promote mobility in areas of tightness. You will also be evaluated for any abnormal postures occurring in the shoulder and thoracic region as this can greatly affect the position of the shoulder joint leading to impingement syndrome. Any postural deficits that are observed will be addressed with stretching and exercise. Some exercises that you may be asked to perform during your physical therapy treatments are as follows:
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- Pectoral stretches
- Resisted external rotation
- Theraband rows
- Shoulder distraction
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As part of your physical therapy intervention, your PT or PTA may find it necessary to perform manual interventions. These types of interventions involve hands on treatments which may include soft tissue release to inflamed muscles, joint mobilizations to improve joint capsule mobility, manual resistive exercises for joint stabilization and physical reassessment of joint mechanics and function.
Your physical therapy team will also integrate a number of modalities to decrease pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. These modalities include such treatments as: interferential electrical stimulation, vasopneumatic icing, cold packs, therapeutic ultrasound, phonophoresis, and iontophoresis among others.
If you are experiencing any kind of shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with impingement syndrome, contact us for a free consultation. To request an appointment, click here, or call directly to one of our three locations during regular business hours:
Cool Springs: 615-224-9810
Shelbyville: 931-684-0027
Spring Hill: 931-489-2022
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended to be informational only, and is not intended to be used in lieu of medical care. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist before attempting treatment on your own.
