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Dr. David Aulick

How Physical Therapy Helps with Shoulder Pain in Athletes

Shoulder pain is a common issue among athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require repetitive overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball. These activities can lead to overuse injuries, muscle imbalances, and joint instability, causing discomfort and limiting performance.


Physical therapy is an effective solution for managing and treating shoulder pain in athletes by addressing the root causes of the pain and improving shoulder strength and mobility.


At The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy in Lexington, KY, we offer personalized physical therapy programs that help athletes recover from shoulder injuries and improve their performance. With Lexington physical therapy near me, athletes can return to their sport pain-free and stronger than ever.



shoulder pain physical therapy

Common Shoulder Injuries in Athletes


Shoulder injuries are common in many sports and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits mobility. Some of the most common shoulder injuries treated with physical therapy include:


  1. Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Repetitive motions can cause strains or tears in these muscles, leading to pain and weakness. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff to restore function.

  2. Shoulder Impingement: Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed during arm movements, leading to inflammation and pain. Physical therapy helps by improving posture and strengthening the shoulder muscles to reduce impingement.

  3. Shoulder Instability: Athletes, especially those in contact sports, are at risk for shoulder dislocations or instability due to weak or stretched ligaments. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the shoulder to improve stability and prevent future injuries.


At The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy, our Lexington physical therapists are experienced in treating a wide range of shoulder injuries, helping athletes recover quickly and safely.


How Physical Therapy Treats Shoulder Pain


  1. Manual Therapy: Physical therapists use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, massage, and joint mobilization to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility in the shoulder joint. Manual therapy helps reduce pain and restore normal movement patterns.

  2. Strengthening Exercises: Weakness in the shoulder muscles can lead to pain and instability. Physical therapy includes exercises that target the rotator cuff and other muscles around the shoulder to improve strength and support the joint.

  3. Posture Correction: Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or improper movement mechanics, can strain the shoulder muscles. Physical therapy includes posture correction exercises and education on proper alignment to reduce strain and prevent further injuries.


By focusing on these areas, physical therapy helps athletes recover fully from shoulder injuries and return to their sport with improved mobility and strength.


The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain


  1. Non-Invasive Treatment: Physical therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to medications or surgery for treating shoulder pain. By focusing on improving strength, flexibility, and posture, physical therapy provides long-term relief without the need for more invasive treatments.

  2. Improved Performance: Shoulder pain can limit an athlete’s ability to perform at their best. Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility, allowing athletes to return to their sport stronger and more flexible.

  3. Prevention of Future Injuries: Physical therapy not only treats the current injury but also helps prevent future problems by addressing muscle imbalances, improving movement patterns, and teaching proper techniques for injury prevention.


At The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy, we design personalized treatment plans that help athletes recover fully from shoulder injuries and maintain long-term shoulder health.


Customized Shoulder Pain Treatment at The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy


At The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy, we understand that every athlete’s shoulder injury is unique. Our Lexington physical therapy clinic offers customized shoulder pain treatment plans that focus on your specific injury, sport, and recovery goals


.During your initial evaluation, our physical therapists will assess your shoulder’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your pain. Whether you're dealing with a rotator cuff strain, shoulder impingement, or instability, we’ll provide the care and support you need to recover fully.


We also offer education on proper movement techniques, warm-up routines, and injury prevention strategies to help you stay injury-free and perform at your best.



Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for shoulder pain in athletes, helping them recover from injuries, improve mobility, and prevent future problems. At The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy in Lexington, KY, we specialize in providing personalized physical therapy programs that address each athlete’s unique needs.


If you’re ready to overcome shoulder pain and return to your sport stronger and more confident, contact the best Lexington physical therapy near me today to schedule an evaluation. Our experienced team is here to help you recover quickly and stay injury-free.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does physical therapy help treat shoulder pain in athletes?


Physical therapy helps treat shoulder pain in athletes by using manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and posture correction to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support the shoulder joint.

What are common shoulder injuries that physical therapy can treat?


Physical therapy can treat common shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strains, shoulder impingement, and shoulder instability by addressing the root causes and promoting better alignment and strength.


How long does it take to recover from a shoulder injury with physical therapy?


Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, but many athletes notice improvements in strength and mobility within a few weeks of consistent physical therapy.


Can physical therapy prevent future shoulder injuries?


Yes, physical therapy helps prevent future shoulder injuries by improving muscle strength, posture, and movement mechanics, reducing the risk of strain and injury.


Is physical therapy personalized for each athlete’s shoulder injury?


Yes, at The Athlete House Performance Physical Therapy, treatment plans are tailored to each athlete’s specific condition, sport, and recovery goals to ensure the best possible outcomes.


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