UNDERSTANDING YOUR SYMPTOMS
What this may feel like.
Shoulder pain may show up while reaching into a cabinet, getting dressed, lifting weights, or sleeping on one side. A painful shoulder can have several possible contributors, ranging from muscle or tendon irritation to joint stiffness and other conditions.
- Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
- Difficulty lifting, carrying, or returning to training
- Stiffness, weakness, or changes in shoulder movement
Pain and movement changes can have more than one explanation. A specific diagnosis requires an individual clinical assessment.
THE EVALUATION
How a physical therapist approaches it.
A physical therapist can ask about sports, work, prior injuries, and which motions bring on symptoms. Assessment may include shoulder and upper-back mobility, strength, and movement patterns; neck symptoms may also be relevant.
You can learn more about Kinesio's approach on the Physical Therapy services page, including information about available treatment techniques.
INDIVIDUALIZED CARE
Moving toward your goals.
When appropriate, treatment may include education about activities, progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, and hands-on techniques. There is no single exercise or device that treats every shoulder problem.
At Kinesio, treatment decisions are based on clinical evaluation rather than a symptom checklist. Explore the listed treatment modalities to see what may be discussed during a visit.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions worth asking.
Could shoulder pain actually come from my neck?
Sometimes symptoms felt near the shoulder may be related to the neck or other structures. Evaluation helps explore the source.
Should I stop lifting altogether?
Not always. The appropriate amount and type of activity depend on the situation. A clinician can guide modifications without assuming complete rest is required.