Sports physical therapy & performance training in Algonquin, IL
What We Treat
Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Algonquin, IL
OTHER CONDITIONS
Understanding Shoulder Pain and Injuries
The shoulder is one of the most dynamic joints in the body. The ball and socket joint affords a large range of motion, but with that comes the possibility of pain and discomfort. Shoulder pain can make everyday activities, exercise, work, and sports difficult. Our physical therapists treat a wide range of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, tendinopathy, labral injuries, instability, and throwing-related shoulder problems.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendinopathy can develop when the shoulder's tendons are unable to tolerate the demands placed on them due to overuse or muscluar imbalance. Tendons become swollen and inflamed and symptoms may include pain with reaching, lifting, or overhead activity, along with weakness or reduced function. Some rotator cuff injuries involve partial or complete tears, which may require additional medical evaluation
Impingement/Bursitis
Is a condition that develops when the bursa (a small fluid filled sac) or tendons become pinched at the shoulder joint. It is often caused by repetitive overhead activity, lifting, or sports such as tennis, baseball, and swimming. Impingement or bursitis can cause a dull ache in the shoulder and may progress to a sharper pain with reaching or raising the arm. Loss of motion and weakness is common.
Sprains and Strains
Both sprains and strains are the result of the stretching of tissue beyond its capacity. A sprain involves a ligament while a strain refers to damage of a muscle or tendon. Strains and sprains can vary from mild to severe in nature; severe cases can result in a tear. Moderate to severe strains/sprains result in more pain, loss of motion/stiffness, and weakness.
Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation/Instability
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone moves completely out of the shoulder socket; a subluxation is a partial displacement. This can result from a high impact force such as a collision or a fall on an outstretched arm. A suspected dislocation requires prompt medical evaluation. Shoulder dislocations are extremely painful and often require rest/bracing to promote healing.cAfter appropriate treatment, rehabilitation may address mobility, strength, stability, and a safe return to activity.
Instability can develop gradually over years from repetitive use that stretches the ligaments and creates increased laxity (looseness). If the rotator cuff is not able to control the laxity, then the shoulder will become unstable with movement over time.
SLAP Tear
SLAP is an acronym for superior labrum anterior and posterior. The labrum is a small piece of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket. In a SLAP injury, the top or superior part of the labrum is injured. Typically, symptoms can cause a catching or locking sensation to occur in the shoulder and pain with certain movements. A SLAP tear can occur with repetitive overhead motion, a sudden trauma, or degenerative changes. Sometimes, surgery is needed to repair or remove the damaged tissue.
Biceps Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis
Biceps tendon problems may cause dull, achy pain in the front of the shoulder which can extend down the upper arm. Pain is worsened with pushing/pulling, lifting, or doing repeated overhead activities. Muscle imbalance and weakness in the rotator cuff is often a contributing factor to biceps pain. Tendonitis can develop at top of the shoulder or near the elbow.
Little League Shoulder
Little league shoulder is common injury among young pithcers between the agess of 11 and 16. It is an overuse injury caused by stress to the arm bone (humerus) nearest to the shoulder. This stress causes widening of the growth plate, resulting in swelling and pain at the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder
lso called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move. After a period of worsening symptoms, frozen shoulder tends to get better, although full recovery can take many months.
Shoulder Pain in Athletes & Overhead Athletes
Shoulder pain is especially common in athletes who repeatedly use the arm overhead. Baseball and softball players, swimmers, volleyball players, tennis players, dancers, and other overhead athletes place unique demands on the shoulder and the entire kinetic chain.
Shoulder → Scapula → Thoracic Spine → Core → Hips → Lower Extremity
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Problems
Shoulder pain with lifting
Pain reaching overhead
Pain when throwing
Pain reaching behind your back
Night or sleeping pain
Shoulder weakness
Loss of range of motion
Clicking or catching
Shoulder instability
Pain after activity
Decreased throwing velocity or endurance
Difficulty recovering after throwing
For throwing athletes, shoulder problems may also show up as decreased velocity, changes in arm slot, loss of control, increased soreness, or difficulty recovering between throwing sessions.
How We Evaluate Shoulder Pain
Shoulder mobility
Strength
Rotator cuff function
Scapular control
Thoracic mobility
Posture and movement
Kinetic-chain contribution
Sport-specific movement
Training workload
Previous injuries
Symptoms and pain behavior
For throwing athletes, we also evaluate at:
Throwing history
Throwing volume
Velocity and command
Position
Competition schedule
Arm-care practices
Return-to-throwing needs
Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy Treatment
Progressive rehabilitation looks like:
Pain management → Mobility → Strength → Stability → Movement → Load → Sport-specific activity → Return to performance
Therapeutic exercise
Rotator cuff strengthening
Scapular strengthening
Mobility exercises
Manual therapy
Movement retraining
Neuromuscular re-education
Progressive loading
Sport-specific rehabilitation
Return-to-throwing programs
Shoulder Pain in Baseball & Softball Players
Baseball and softball players place exceptional demands on the shoulder, particularly pitchers and other overhead throwers. Shoulder pain may be related to changes in mobility, strength, workload, mechanics, recovery, or the ability of the entire kinetic chain to generate and control force.
Explore Baseball and Softball Services:
Softball Physical Therapy
In-Season Care Arm Care
Off-Season Arm Care
Return to Throwing
Overhead Throwing Assessment
AI Pitching Assessment
Shoulder problems do not always begin with pain. Throwing athletes may notice changes in velocity, control, endurance, arm recovery, or throwing mechanics before pain develops. A movement and performance assessment can help identify mobility, strength, movement, or workload factors that may be affecting the arm and help address potential problems before they become a more significant injury.
For baseball and softball players, shoulder symptoms may overlap with throwing-related elbow problems. Learn about our elbow and wrist pain treatment and Tommy John rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain
Can physical therapy help shoulder pain?
Yes. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for many causes of shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries, tendinopathy, shoulder impingement, stiffness, instability, and overuse injuries. Treatment is based on the underlying cause of your symptoms and may include restoring mobility, improving strength, addressing movement deficits, and progressively loading the shoulder so you can safely return to your normal activities or sport.
What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can result from many different factors, including rotator cuff irritation or injury, tendinopathy, bursitis, labral injuries, shoulder instability, arthritis, stiffness, trauma, or repetitive overhead activity. In athletes, shoulder pain may also be related to changes in mobility, strength, throwing or training volume, recovery, or mechanics. A physical therapy evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can physical therapy help a rotator cuff injury?
Yes. Many rotator cuff injuries and tendinopathies can be successfully managed with physical therapy. Treatment typically focuses on restoring shoulder mobility, improving rotator cuff and scapular strength, addressing contributing movement deficits, and gradually increasing the shoulder's ability to tolerate load. More significant tears may require consultation with an orthopedic physician, and physical therapy may be part of treatment before or after surgery.
How long does shoulder pain take to improve?
The amount of time needed to recover depends on the cause and severity of the shoulder problem, how long you have had symptoms, your activity level, and how well the shoulder responds to treatment. Some conditions improve within several weeks, while more significant injuries or post-surgical conditions may require a longer rehabilitation process. Rather than focusing only on a timeline, rehabilitation should progress based on pain, mobility, strength, function, and your ability to tolerate increasing activity.
Should I stop throwing if my shoulder hurts?
If you are experiencing shoulder pain while throwing, continuing to throw through pain is generally not the best approach. The appropriate response depends on the severity and cause of the symptoms. A throwing athlete may need to temporarily modify throwing volume or intensity while mobility, strength, workload, and movement deficits are addressed. A structured return-to-throwing program can then progressively rebuild the shoulder's ability to tolerate the demands of throwing.
When should I see a physical therapist for shoulder pain?
Consider a physical therapy evaluation if shoulder pain is interfering with sports, exercise, work, sleep, or everyday activities; if you have persistent pain or weakness; or if your shoulder is not improving with activity modification. Athletes should also consider an evaluation when shoulder pain repeatedly returns, throwing performance changes, or the arm does not recover normally between practices or games.
Can I play through shoulder pain?
Playing through shoulder pain is not always harmless. Pain can sometimes be a sign that the shoulder is not tolerating the current level of activity. Continuing to increase workload without addressing the underlying problem may make recovery more difficult. An evaluation can help determine whether you need to modify your activity, continue with appropriate training, or temporarily reduce your workload.
Do you treat shoulder injuries in baseball and softball players?
Yes. Athletic Edge and Wellness treats shoulder injuries and overuse problems in baseball and softball players, including pitchers and other overhead athletes. Rehabilitation looks beyond the shoulder itself and may include assessment of shoulder mobility and strength, scapular control, thoracic mobility, core and lower-extremity contribution, throwing workload, and the athlete's ability to safely return to throwing.
Schedule Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Algonquin, IL
Shoulder pain can affect your ability to work, exercise, throw, or participate in the sports you enjoy. At Athletic Edge & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to shoulder rehabilitation by evaluating mobility, strength, movement patterns, and the physical demands of your daily activities or sport.
Whether you are dealing with a rotator cuff injury, shoulder instability, persistent pain, or a throwing-related shoulder problem, your rehabilitation plan will be tailored to your symptoms, goals, and functional needs.
For baseball and softball athletes, we also consider throwing workload, arm health, and the physical demands of returning to practice and competition.
Ready to address your shoulder pain? Schedule a physical therapy evaluation at Athletic Edge & Wellness in Algonquin, IL, and take the next step toward moving better, performing better, and being better.
Call 224-505-3343 or schedule your appointment today.
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