Frozen shoulder is characterized by structural changes in the shoulder joint, primarily thickening of the tissues of the shoulder joint capsule which “freezes” movement and range of motion in the shoulder. Frozen shoulder can result from diabetes, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, or due to a period of enforced immobility of the shoulder due to trauma to the joint, shoulder surgery, or overuse injuries to the shoulder. Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder and is highly effective in speeding up the recovery process and regaining shoulder mobility at any stage of the condition.

Check out our infographic on shoulder labral tear treatment with physical therapy! A shoulder labral tear occurs when the labrum is disrupted, frayed, or torn, leading to shoulder pain and shoulder joint instability. Physical therapy can help those with shoulder labral tears regain strength, stability, and range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Shoulder impingement syndrome develops due to chronic, repeated compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa under the acromion, causing pain, swelling, and movement issues. Shoulder impingement can result from repetitive overhead movements such as throwing the baseball, but may also occur due to a fall, muscle weakness in the shoulder joint, or postural abnormalities. Physical therapy can decrease shoulder impingement-related pain and improve shoulder motion and strength through targeted strengthening of the shoulder and upper back.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint and can significantly reduce shoulder mobility. Frozen shoulder occurs when the shoulder capsule tissues thicken and become stiff, tight, and inflamed. This can occur after surgery due to enforced immobility of the shoulder, trauma to the joint, or joint inflammation. Physical therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment for frozen shoulder to increase shoulder mobility and regain range of motion. Check out our infographic to learn more!

Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist, Sarah, demonstrates three exercises you can do to stabilize and strengthen your shoulder. The shoulder is a complex joint that allows for a significant amount of mobility and is stabilized by the surrounding shoulder musculature on and around the shoulder blade. Shoulder instability involves increased laxity of the shoulder joint in which the joint can “slip” in and out of the socket. A physical therapist can address shoulder instability and increase shoulder strength and stability through an exercise program that targets the rotator cuff muscles, scapular muscles, and lower and upper back muscles.

Biceps tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain that occurs when the biceps tendon becomes irritated and inflamed due to repetitive overhead movements. Biceps tendinitis is associated with sharp pain in the front of the shoulder. Physical therapy offers effective treatment for biceps tendinitis to manage pain and restore range of motion, strength, and mobility to the shoulder joint. Check out our infographic to learn more!

A shoulder labral tear involves partial or total separation of the labrum from the shoulder socket, often due to excessive trauma to the joint from overuse or direct injury. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the rim of the shoulder socket, providing stability to the shoulder joint and a cushion to the shoulder during activity. Physical therapy can help those with shoulder labral tears regain strength, stability, and range of motion in the shoulder joint through manual therapy, postural training, and a stretching and strengthening exercise program.

Competitive swimming can place swimmers at a higher risk of shoulder pain due to the repetitive overhead motion required. The majority of swimming injuries are related to the shoulder, although injuries to the neck, back, and knee are also common. Physical therapy addresses these injuries through sport-specific training and a comprehensive rehabilitation program to improve strength, endurance, mobility, and stability.

Biceps tendinitis is a common cause of shoulder pain that develops due to repetitive, overhead movements that irritate and inflame the biceps tendon in the shoulder joint. Biceps tendinitis is often associated with a sharp pain in the front of the shoulder that worsens when engaging in an activity requiring overhead motion. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for biceps tendinitis involving pain management, manual therapy, activity modification, postural education, and therapeutic exercise to regain strength, coordination, and range of motion in the shoulder.

The rotator cuff allows the shoulder and arm significant rotational and stretching mobility. Rotator cuff injury is very common due to irritation and inflammation of the tendons. Whether healing from rotator cuff tendinitis, a rotator cuff tear, or recuperating post-surgery, physical therapy can help address pain and restore range of motion, coordination, and strength to the shoulder. Check out our infographic to learn more!

The rotator cuff keeps the shoulder joint stable and allows the arm to have a significant amount of rotational and stretching mobility. Injury to the rotator cuff is fairly common, whether due to an acute tear from an accident or degeneration of the tendons from repeated overuse. Physical therapy can address pain, restore movement and range of motion to the shoulder and arm, and safely rehabilitate the rotator cuff following surgery.

Check out Mangiarelli Rehabilitation's August Newsletter with updates on Mangiarelli Rehabilitation Renovations, Frozen Shoulder & Physical Therapy, Tips to Relieve Neck Pain, and Mangiarelli Rehab Wellness Program Re-Opening.

Frozen shoulder results in stiffness, pain, and the inability to move or rotate your shoulder. Physical therapy is the first line of treatment to manage and address frozen shoulder, involving manual therapy and gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to restore normal range of motion. Learn how frozen shoulder develops, who it affects, and a video showcasing frozen shoulder stretching exercises on the blog.