Shoulder Conditions That Respond Well to Physical Therapy

People typically opt for surgery to relieve pain and restore function, but physical therapy can address the same goals for many shoulder-related conditions, such as:

• Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial tears can often be treated successfully with physical therapy. Strengthening and mobility exercises can reduce pain and restore shoulder function.
• Shoulder Impingement: Physical therapy can relieve discomfort caused by impingement by reducing inflammation, restoring proper joint mechanics, and improving posture.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint can limit mobility and cause pain, but targeted exercises and joint mobilizations can slow its progression and reduce symptoms.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Therapy can be instrumental in reducing stiffness and restoring range of motion in patients with frozen shoulders.
• Dislocations and Instability: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder can stabilize the joint and help prevent recurring dislocations.

Physical Therapy vs. Surgery for Shoulder Pain

Your physical therapy treatment plan will be customized to suit your specific condition, health status, and goals. Our therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and develop a strategy tailored to your needs.

Our treatments focus on:

• Relieving pain
• Restoring range of motion
• Strengthening muscles to prevent further injury
• Improving overall function and quality of life

Unlike surgery, physical therapy offers significant advantages:

• Lower Costs: Physical therapy is more affordable than surgery, which also requires post-surgical rehab.
• Shorter Recovery Time: While surgery demands weeks of healing and extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy allows you to recover more naturally and efficiently.
• Reduced Risks: Physical therapy is non-invasive and carries minimal risks compared to surgery, which can lead to complications like infections or reliance on pain medication.

For degenerative conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain, seeking physical therapy early is crucial. Staying active and maintaining a healthy range of motion with exercises prescribed by your therapist can help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Even if surgery becomes necessary in the future, starting physical therapy now prepares your body for smoother rehabilitation post-surgery.

Heart Health Month!

When’s the last time you thought about your heart health? February is heart health month, so there’s no better time to give one of your most essential organs the attention it deserves. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 16.3 million Americans aged 20 and older have coronary heart disease (CHD). The symptoms of CHD include heart attacks and chest pain. In the United States, 7.9 million individuals have suffered from heart attacks, and 9 million have experienced chest pain.

These statistics can be alarming, but rest assured that there are several ways you can help improve your heart health! The therapists at Schultz Physical Therapy have put together a list of manageable lifestyle changes you can make as soon as today to ensure good heart health for years to come. 

1. Exercise regularly 

Regular physical activity can help you gain muscle strength and endurance. Exercise helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.

If you are not currently exercising regularly, start by taking a ten-minute walk around your neighborhood each day. From there, increase the amount of time you walk each day and quicken your pace. You will eventually be able to work up to a more strenuous activity, like running or biking.

2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, eating ten servings of fruits and vegetables a day can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 28% and premature death by 31%. 

Ten servings may sound like a lot, but remember that there are many ways to up your fruit and veggie intake. You could add fruit to your water, add vegetables to your fruit smoothie, and snack on carrots and hummus during the day instead of chips.

3. Manage your stress  

Did you know that there are over 1,400 biochemical responses to stress? Some of these include a rise in blood pressure and a faster heart rate. For these reasons, stress can have long-term adverse effects on your health. 

Try to take the time out of your day to practice mindfulness and check in with your body. Deep breathing activities and meditation can do wonders for anxiety. Practicing yoga may also help you decrease your stress levels.