Are you experiencing shoulder pain and wondering what’s causing it? At Advanced Rehabilitation Services in Morris County, Parsippany, New Jersey, we’ve seen a surge in patients seeking relief from shoulder discomfort. Shoulder pain is a common but complex issue, often described vaguely, making it critical to pinpoint the exact cause for effective treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential sources of shoulder pain, common trends we’re seeing at our clinic, and how occupational therapy can help you regain comfort and mobility.
Why Shoulder Pain Isn’t Always Straightforward
Shoulder pain can feel like a nagging ache, a sharp sting, or even a burning sensation that limits your daily activities. However, the shoulder is a complex joint, and pain can stem from various issues, including:
- Impingement: When tendons or muscles are pinched during movement, causing discomfort.
- Rotator Cuff Tear: A tear in the group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder.
- Labral Tear: Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) surrounding the shoulder socket.
- Other Sources: Pain can also radiate from nearby areas like the elbow, scapula (shoulder blade), or neck.
Because shoulder pain can have multiple origins, a thorough evaluation is essential. At our clinic, we use specialized tests to accurately diagnose the root cause, ensuring a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific condition.
Shoulder Pain and Work-from-Home Trends
One noticeable trend at our clinic is the rise in frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) among individuals working from home. Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion, often developing gradually. We’ve observed that remote workers are particularly susceptible due to:
- Decreased Mobility: Spending long hours at a desk or hunched over laptops and phones can restrict shoulder movement.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or improper desk setups can strain the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
If you’re working from home and noticing shoulder stiffness or discomfort, it’s worth addressing early. Simple adjustments to your workspace and targeted occupational therapy can prevent frozen shoulder from worsening and restore mobility.
Shoulder Pain in Older Adults
Another group we frequently treat is elderly patients, who often experience rotator cuff tears. These injuries can occur during everyday tasks like gardening, cleaning, or lifting objects. As we age, the rotator cuff tendons naturally weaken, making them more prone to tears, even from minor activities. Symptoms might include difficulty lifting your arm, weakness, or pain that worsens at night.
For older adults, early intervention is key. Occupational therapy can help strengthen the shoulder, improve function, and reduce pain without invasive measures, allowing you to return to the activities you love.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
At Advanced Rehabilitation Services, our occupational therapists specialize in evaluating and treating shoulder pain. After identifying the cause of your discomfort through comprehensive testing, we create a personalized plan that may include:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Targeted movements to strengthen the shoulder and supporting muscles.
- Posture and Ergonomic Training: Guidance on optimizing your workspace or daily habits to prevent further strain.
- Pain Management Strategies: Techniques to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
Our goal is to help you move comfortably and confidently again, whether you’re recovering from a rotator cuff tear, managing frozen shoulder, or addressing referred pain from another area.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to hold you back. Whether you’re a remote worker struggling with stiffness or an older adult dealing with an injury, understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward recovery. At Advanced Rehabilitation Services in Morris County, Parsippany, New Jersey, our skilled occupational therapists are here to provide expert care tailored to your needs. Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an evaluation and start your journey to a pain-free, active life.