Physiotherapy - Why it is important for the shoulder.
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 6
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that plays an important role in many daily activities. However, an injury, disease, or surgery to the shoulder can lead to pain and limited mobility.
Physical therapy can help restore mobility and strength to the joint and speed up the healing process.
In this article you will learn:
What can be achieved through physiotherapy?
These are the best physiotherapy treatments for shoulder pain.
How physiotherapy can help after surgery
1. What can be achieved through physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy for shoulder problems is useful because it is a non-invasive and natural method of treating pain and restricted movement.
If you suffer from shoulder pain, physical therapy can help relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility and strength. Physical therapy can also help reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
Physiotherapy for shoulder problems is useful because it is a non-invasive and natural method of treating pain and restricted movement.
Physiotherapists are specially trained professionals who specialize in the rehabilitation and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
2. These are the best physiotherapy treatments for shoulder pain.
There are several types of physical therapy treatments that can be used for shoulder pain. Below are some of the main types.
Exercises to improve mobility
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is limited mobility of the shoulder joint. Physical therapists can perform targeted exercises and manual therapy treatments to improve shoulder mobility and relieve pain. These exercises can also help strengthen the shoulder muscles.
massage
Massage is another popular treatment option for shoulder pain. Massage can help relieve tension in the shoulder muscles and improve circulation, which can, in turn, reduce pain.
Exercises to improve stability
Another common cause of shoulder pain is an unstable shoulder. Physical therapy exercises can improve shoulder stability and relieve pain. These exercises can also help reduce the risk of future injuries.
Exercises to improve elasticity
Due to today's high proportion of professional and private computer and mobile phone use, many people's internal rotator tendons in the shoulder are shortened. This can lead to misalignment and incorrect strain in the shoulder, which in turn can cause inflammation and pain. A lack of balance or physical activity that doesn't stretch the muscles and tendons can lead to a reduction in elasticity. Physiotherapy can specifically address shoulder imbalances and correct shortened tendons.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is another treatment option that can be used for shoulder pain. It's a non-invasive method that uses electrical impulses to relieve pain and improve circulation. When combined with medication applied to the skin (iontophoresis), it can further help relieve shoulder pain.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage stimulates lymphatic drainage. Fluid and nutrients reach the tissue via the bloodstream. The majority is transported back into the bloodstream, while a portion remains in the tissue and accumulates between the cells. This lymph fluid is returned to the bloodstream during manual lymphatic drainage. Manual lymphatic drainage has proven particularly effective for injuries with tissue swelling.
Cold and warmth
Thermotherapy has been used for centuries to treat shoulder pain. In the case of injuries, cold treatment is an important component of immediate therapy, as it reduces swelling of injured tissue. When used correctly, it can reduce pain or the perception of pain in the acute phase. Heat is successfully used to treat muscle tension in the neck and shoulder. It can be applied in the form of a heat pack, mud pack, hot air pack, or infrared light.
Much more!
In addition to the "traditional" physiotherapy treatments, there are also numerous new and interesting treatment approaches. Two examples are the use of massage guns and medical flossing. It is important to have these treatments performed by experienced physiotherapists who apply the treatments in a targeted manner and with the correct intensity. Otherwise, pain can become chronic or worsen if used incorrectly.
2. How physiotherapy can help after surgery.
Shoulder surgery may be necessary to treat various shoulder problems, such as joint wear , rotator cuff tears , shoulder instability , or displaced bone fractures .
During surgery, the joint is accessed through minimally invasive or "open" incisions in the tissue. The doctor can then make repairs to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage structures of the shoulder.
After surgery, the tissue needs time to heal and recover. For some shoulder procedures, the arm is placed in a sling or rested on an armrest to reduce stress on the newly operated shoulder and give the tissue the rest it needs to heal.
In the first few days after surgery, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in the healing process. For example, cooling, manual lymphatic drainage, or bandages can improve the drainage of tissue fluid, allowing typical swelling or minor bruising after surgery to subside quickly.
As a general rule, the shoulder should be moved within the first few days after surgery to prevent adhesions and pain from prolonged immobilization. It is important to strike the right balance between movement and rest. Typically, movement in certain directions can begin immediately, while other directions that place stress on the repaired structures should be avoided.
In addition, it may be necessary to perform only passive movements with the shoulder at the beginning, which means that the shoulder is moved with the help of the therapist and the patient does not yet actively use the muscles.
For these reasons, a follow-up treatment plan tailored to the individual patient and the respective pathology is advisable for almost all shoulder operations.
After shoulder surgery, physical therapy can help in several ways. Here are some of the benefits:
Restoration of mobility
After shoulder surgery, mobility may be limited, which can impact daily activities. Physical therapy can help restore mobility by performing specific exercises to stretch and mobilize the joint.
Improve muscle function
Shoulder surgery can weaken the muscles surrounding the joint. Through targeted exercises, physical therapy can help restore muscle function and improve joint strength.
Pain relief
After surgery, pain can occur, which can impair mobility and the healing process. Physiotherapy can help relieve pain through gentle massage techniques and exercises and support the patient on the road to recovery.
Improve posture
Shoulder surgery can also affect posture. Through targeted exercises, physical therapy can help improve posture and reduce neck and back pain.
Avoiding complications
After shoulder surgery, it is important to avoid complications such as shoulder stiffness, muscle atrophy, or shoulder instability. Physical therapy can help prevent these complications by starting targeted exercises early.
Conclusion:
If you suffer from shoulder pain, physical therapy can help relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility and strength.
Physical therapy can also help reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
Physiotherapy is useful for shoulder problems because it is a non-invasive and natural method of treating pain and restricted movement.
Improving shoulder mobility and stability, along with reducing pain, are common therapy goals.
Manual therapy, physiotherapy, electrotherapy as well as heat and cold treatment are classic components of physiotherapy for the shoulder.
Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and prevent complications after shoulder surgery.
Do you have any questions?
Then make an appointment with our shoulder specialist :
Specialist in orthopedics
and trauma surgery,
Sports medicine
