Recover from Shoulder Surgery with Country Roads Physical Therapy
Severe Shoulder Pain? Surgery May Be in Your Future
While aches and pains are a commonality of life, severe, lingering pains are not. Many men and women suffer from shoulder pain, whether it’s age-related, from sports, falls, or other injuries. If the pain is unbearable, or is getting in the way of daily activities, shoulder surgery may be the best option for you.
Just hearing the word “surgery” can send patients into a spiral. How long will recovery take? Will you be able to work? Can you still take care of your children or household? While these questions may plague your mind, shoulder surgery can correct a multitude of painful injuries, like the rotator cuff or tears. Once the surgery takes place, however, the end of the road may not be as close as you think.
At Country Roads Physical Therapy, your full recovery is our number one goal. With five convenient locations in East Fairmont, West Fairmont, Buckhannon, Morgantown, and Wheeling, we work with patients across West Virginia to provide relief from shoulder pain.
Effective Therapy Treatments to Alleviate Shoulder Pain
When looking for physical therapy to alleviate shoulder pain, there are difficult routes you can take. Different therapies can provide different results, so it is best to keep open communication with your physical therapist to make sure the plan is working. Some of the physical therapy options Country Roads offers include:
Manual Therapy. Manual therapy can increase joint mobilization and increase range of motion. Some manual options can work on muscle strengthening and reeducation as well.
Dry Needling. Dry needling is an invasive therapy that works to destabilize trigger points throughout the body.
Astym® Therapy. Astym requires special tools to promote healing and recovery.
Chronic Pain Therapy. In some cases, shoulder pain can stem from past injuries, arthritis, or age. If you are not a candidate for shoulder surgery, chronic pain therapy can teach pain management exercises to increase quality of life.
Depending on the reason for your pain, a one or more of these options may benefit your recovery. Whether you are trying to avoid surgery, or need therapy after shoulder surgery, trust Country Roads to help you restore motion back into your shoulders and improve your overall quality of life.
Common Shoulder Injuries Patients Can Face
You may think that minor shoulder pain or injuries can heal on their own, but a simple strain or small tear can cause great problems later on if neglected. Common shoulder injuries that patients of all ages must look out for include:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Frozen Shoulders
- Fractures
- Dislocation & Instability
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
Medline offers a full list of common injuries and how to spot them. Easy signs to spot an issue can be constant pain, inability to move your arm, weakness in the arm and shoulder area, and a noticeable deformity in the shoulder, like bulging or severe bruising. If you notice these issues with your shoulder, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention.
Athletes may also find themselves experiencing shoulder injuries. We offer sports therapy to keep athletes of all ages ready to start the next season, along with treating any injuries you may face during the year.
Treatment and Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries
One of the most common shoulder injuries people face are rotator cuff injuries. The Mayo Clinic defines the rotator cuff as a group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint. Those who frequently use overhead motions or strenuous arm activities can experience a rotator cuff injury, and the risk increases with age.
Surgery is a very common treatment for rotator cuff injuries, especially tears. In some cases, surgery may not be able to fix extreme tears, leading to different forms of surgery and recovery. In order to regain strength in the shoulder, physical therapy could be in your best interest.
Can I Treat Shoulder Injuries at Home?
While you may be inclined to recover solely at home, many patients can benefit from regular visits to their preferred physical therapist. However, there are some at-home treatments that can help promote healing, including:
- Icing the shoulder
- Applying heat to the shoulder
- Light exercise, approved by your doctor or therapist
- Resting the shoulder and affected arm
- Light stretching
- Taking anti-inflammatories when necessary
Along with a regular therapy regimen, we can combat your shoulder pain in no time. Talk with your physician today to receive a referral to Country Roads Physical Therapy. Our team has years of experience and training in various physical therapy techniques, and we are looking forward to helping you on the road to recovery.
Avoid Shoulder Injuries By Taking Proper Precautions
Some injuries and shoulder pains are unavoidable, especially with conditions like arthritis and bursitis. However, there are some ways to keep your shoulders safe from potential injuries. Proper stretching before strenuous activities is one way to protect shoulders and other joints from injury or strain. Another way to avoid injuries is to not overexert your shoulders when exercising, carrying large loads, and being aware of excessive or sporadic movements.
If you’re experiencing minor shoulder pain, be proactive! Rest up, and make sure you are not overdoing your daily exercise or sleeping in uncomfortable positions. If the pain persists, it’s best to contact your doctor to avoid deeper injury.
To learn more about physical therapy for shoulder surgery recovery, call your preferred Country Roads Physical Therapy location. For any future updates, like and follow us on Facebook, and keep up with our blog.
Fairmont Offices: (304) 363-0050
Buckhannon: (304) 472-8510
Wheeling: (304) 905-8140
Morgantown: (304) 322-4232