Shoulder Physical Therapy in Berkeley Heights

The shoulder is one of the most important - and abused - joints in the body. Injuries are common and can occur due to lifestyle, age, or activity. If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury, following a custom treatment plan developed by a licensed physical therapist is vital to ensure a full recovery.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Mobility Loss

• Shoulder impingement: is a painful condition caused by connective tissue rubbing against the shoulder blade. It is often caused by repetitive shoulder activity or aging.

• Bursitis: is caused by inflamed and swollen bursae - tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, joints, and muscles - and can cause pain with movement or activity.

• Frozen Shoulder: causes stiffness and a dull ache in the shoulder. It occurs due to immobility, most often after surgery or prolonged recovery from another injury.

How Physical Therapists Treat Shoulder Injuries

The best physical therapists develop customized health plans with measurable goals for pain reduction and mobility improvement for their clients. Initial appointments will generally include a full-body evaluation, including some light stretching and exercise to determine the extent of your injury.

After evaluating your therapeutic needs, your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan focused on strengthening the joint and surrounding muscles, as well as improving flexibility and functional strength.

This plan can include, but is not limited to:

• Stretching 

• Ice and heat therapy

• Joint mobilization

• Athletic or kinesiology taping

• Home exercise programs

If you’re living with shoulder pain, consider scheduling an initial appointment with a physical therapist. Despite causing significant pain and a frustrating loss of mobility, most shoulder injuries respond strongly to therapy and can show significant improvement in as little as 4-6 weeks.