Look to MyoFit Clinic for shoulder pain relief
By Dr. Adam Cramer, PT, DPT; MyoFit Clinic
Of all the joints in your body, the shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion.
Because of this, it is more likely to be injured or sustain painful sprains, strains, dislocations, tendinitis, torn rotator cuffs, bursitis, frozen shoulder, fractures, arthritis and more. And when it becomes painful, it impacts almost everything you do.
Because it is such a mobile joint, you can hurt it in falls, when you when you lift something heavy, and even when you throw a ball. Sometimes it’s affected by gradual irritation or deterioration.
Where to Look for Shoulder Pain Relief
Too often when twinges of pain erupt from the shoulder, busy people pop a painkiller and push through their day. The next day it hurts more, so they take more pills and continue without seeking help, or they find a surgeon who can only provide surgery as an option when they actually might not even need surgery.
This practice leads to a continuing and escalating shoulder problem as well as other side effects of increased dependency on painkillers, unnecessary MRI imaging or surgery, or ineffective steroid injections.
In fact, according to a report released three years ago by the National Institutes of Health, our culture’s tendency to treat chronic pain with a one-pill-fits-all mindset has created a “silent epidemic” regarding the use and possible overuse of opioids.
It suggests that we should urgently consider non-pharmacological approaches to treating pain, including physical therapy.
How Physical Therapy Works
When you consult with a doctor of physical therapy at MyoFit Clinic because of shoulder pain, first you will be evaluated so our team can determine the cause of your pain, and then devise an effective way to treat it the same day.
We will use a combination of hands-on treatment to loosen the muscles and joints and dry needling, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, hot and cold treatments, and Kinesio taping. Stretching and strengthening exercises, including gentle self-mobilization, and education on proper posture and movement will help to decrease pain while improving function safely and effectively.
Dr. Adam M. Cramer, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist, shoulder specialist and owner of MyoFit. For more information, visit MyoFitClinic.com. Physical therapy clinics are located in Middlefield: 14950 Springdale Avenue, 440-632-1007; and Chardon: 11850 Mayfield Road, Suite 1, 440-286-1007. A third Ashtabula location is set to open this fall at 2916 North Ridge Road.