Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem in the general population, with studies estimating the annual prevalence ranging from 4%-46% of the population. The shoulder joint consists of the humerus (upper bone of the arm) attaching to the shoulder blade. Additional boney structures that play a role in the shoulder joint's function include the acromioclavicular joint (joint of the shoulder blade and collar bone), the sternoclavicular joint (joint of the collar bone and sternum), and the spine. There are also several muscles and ligaments that attach to the shoulder joint that act both to promote movement and strength, as well as to provide support to the shoulder. Common sources of shoulder pain are strains or tears of the rotator cuff muscles, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), traumatic dislocations, and arthritis. With so many structures potentially affecting your shoulder pain, getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial to resolving your pain. At Integrative PT and Wellness, we start with a thorough history of your pain and examination of all of the structures that affect your shoulder. We will then work with you to devise a plan that addresses the problem areas, often involving a combination of manual therapy, dry needling, specific exercise programming, postural training, and activity modifications, in order to resolve your pain and get you back to the activities you love.