Why Your Shoulder Hurts
A Personal Story:
I know firsthand how frustrating and painful shoulder issues can be. Years ago, I dislocated my shoulder playing soccer—a fall that seemed minor at the time. Unfortunately, I didn’t give it much rest and jumped right back into sand volleyball that summer. That combination of instability and overuse left me in constant discomfort, with pain during simple tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping.
Recovery wasn’t overnight. It took me nearly two years of gradual physical therapy, strengthening, and patience to regain full use of my shoulder without pain. That journey is what drives me to help others get better, faster.
Understanding Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Shoulder pain is one of the top reasons people seek help from a physical therapist—and for good reason! The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing you to reach, lift, throw, and perform countless daily activities. But with that incredible mobility comes a greater risk of injury, overuse, and wear-and-tear.
At Agility Physical Therapy, we see people of all ages and activity levels dealing with shoulder pain. Whether it’s from sports, work, or just everyday life, knowing what’s causing the pain is the first step toward healing.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and keep it stable. These muscles help you lift and rotate your arm. Rotator cuff injuries are extremely common, especially in people over 40, athletes, and those with repetitive overhead motions. Injuries can range from mild strains to partial or full tears. Symptoms often include aching pain, weakness when lifting the arm, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. Early treatment with physical therapy can help prevent small issues from turning into larger tears that may require surgery.
2. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff get “pinched” or compressed between the bones of the shoulder, especially during overhead movements. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain that worsens with reaching, lifting, or throwing. Over time, untreated impingement can lead to more serious issues like rotator cuff tears. Physical therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, improving posture, strengthening key muscles, and modifying movements to relieve pressure on the shoulder.
3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the soft tissues of the shoulder joint become thickened and tight, leading to significant stiffness and pain. The exact cause isn’t always known, but it often follows periods of immobility—like after an injury, surgery, or illness. It’s more common in people over 40 and those with diabetes. Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three phases: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness), frozen (severe stiffness with reduced pain), and thawing (gradual return of motion). Physical therapy plays a key role in restoring movement and reducing discomfort through gentle stretching, manual therapy, and guided exercises.
4. Shoulder Bursitis
The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder joint. When this sac becomes inflamed—usually due to repetitive movement or pressure—it’s called bursitis. This leads to sharp or aching pain, especially with lifting, reaching, or lying on the shoulder. Sometimes bursitis is accompanied by impingement or rotator cuff irritation. Treatment focuses on calming inflammation, restoring movement, and strengthening surrounding muscles to prevent recurrence.
5. Arthritis of the Shoulder
Shoulder arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage covering the bones in the shoulder joint wears down over time. This leads to pain, grinding, stiffness, and loss of motion. While arthritis is more common with aging, it can also result from previous injuries or repetitive use. Though arthritis cannot be “cured,” physical therapy helps preserve mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life through targeted exercises, manual techniques, and joint protection strategies.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
No matter the cause of your shoulder pain, physical therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to get relief. At Agility Physical Therapy, we design personalized programs to help:
✅ Reduce pain and inflammation
✅ Restore mobility and flexibility
✅ Strengthen muscles that support the shoulder
✅ Correct movement patterns to avoid future injuries
If your shoulder pain is limiting your life, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent long-term problems and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
👉 Call us at 509-676-2122 or email contact@agilityptww.com to schedule your evaluation today. We’re here to help you move better, feel better, and live better.