Physical Therapy for Shoulder injuries can help fix issues for both athletes and individuals engaged in repetitive activities. Two of the most frequent conditions affecting the shoulder are tendonitis and tendinosis. These conditions can cause significant pain and limit your ability to perform everyday tasks, let alone participate in sports or physical activities.
At Movement Driven Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL, our Jacksonville Physical Therapists specialize in treating shoulder injuries, helping you manage pain, restore function, and prevent future issues.
Understanding Tendonitis and Tendinosis and how Physical Therapy can Help
Tendonitis and tendinosis are conditions that affect the tendons, the connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. While they are often confused, they have distinct differences:
Tendonitis: This is the inflammation of a tendon, typically caused by overuse or acute injury. It often results in pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Tendinosis: This is a chronic condition where the tendon undergoes degeneration due to repetitive strain or improper healing from previous injuries. Unlike tendonitis, tendinosis is not associated with inflammation but rather with the deterioration of the tendon’s structure.
Both conditions can result from repetitive motions, such as those involved in sports like tennis, swimming, or baseball, or from occupations that require frequent overhead movements. Without proper treatment, these conditions can become chronic and significantly impact your quality of life.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of shoulder tendonitis and tendinosis are similar but can vary in intensity and duration:
Pain: A dull, aching pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or performing overhead activities.
Stiffness: Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the shoulder, particularly after periods of inactivity.
Weakness: Difficulty lifting objects or performing tasks that require shoulder strength.
Tenderness: Tenderness and discomfort when pressing on the affected area.
At Movement Driven Physical Therapy, our Jacksonville Physical Therapists will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the condition accurately. This may include assessing your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and specific tests to identify the affected tendon.
Understanding whether you have tendonitis or tendinosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Tendonitis and Tendinosis
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for both tendonitis and tendinosis. At our Jacksonville Physical Therapy Clinic, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize the shoulder joint, reduce pain, and improve circulation to the affected tendon.
Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises designed to improve shoulder stability, flexibility, and strength. These exercises help alleviate pain and prevent further degeneration of the tendon.
Modalities: Depending on your condition, we may use additional therapies such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or dry needling to reduce pain and promote healing.
Our Jacksonville Physical Therapists will also provide education on activity modification, helping you avoid movements that may aggravate your condition while still staying active.
Preventing Shoulder Injuries
Prevention is key to avoiding shoulder injuries, particularly if you engage in activities that place repetitive stress on the shoulder. Physical therapy not only treats existing conditions but also helps prevent future injuries by:
Improving Strength and Flexibility: Strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder joint and improving flexibility can reduce the strain on tendons, preventing overuse injuries.
Correcting Posture: Proper posture is essential for shoulder health. Our therapists will teach you how to maintain good posture, especially during activities that involve repetitive motions.
Technique Training: For athletes, proper technique is crucial to avoiding shoulder injuries. We provide sport-specific training to help you perform your activities safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Movement Driven Physical Therapy?
At Movement Driven Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you overcome shoulder injuries and return to the activities you love. Our Jacksonville Physical Therapists have extensive experience in treating tendonitis and tendinosis, using evidence-based practices to deliver effective, personalized care. Whether you’re dealing with a new injury or a chronic condition, our team is here to support your recovery journey.
Shoulder injuries like tendonitis and tendinosis can be painful and debilitating, but they don’t have to limit your life. With the right physical therapy approach, you can manage your pain, restore function, and prevent future injuries. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, consider visiting Movement Driven Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL. Our Jacksonville Physical Therapists are committed to providing the highest level of care to help you achieve a full recovery. Reach out today to schedule a FREE 15-min 'Discovery Call' or Book an Appointment with one of our licensed and professional physical therapists. Movement Driven Performance is here to keep you MOVING!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tendonitis and tendinosis?
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse or acute injury, while tendinosis is the degeneration of the tendon due to chronic overuse or improper healing.
How can physical therapy help with shoulder tendonitis or tendinosis?
Physical therapy helps by reducing pain, improving shoulder strength and flexibility, and addressing the underlying causes of the condition to prevent further injury.
What exercises are typically included in the treatment for shoulder tendonitis?
Treatment may include strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff, stretching exercises to improve flexibility, and manual therapy to improve shoulder mobility.
How long does it take to recover from tendonitis or tendinosis with physical therapy?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition, but most patients see improvement within a few weeks to a few months of consistent therapy.
Can physical therapy prevent shoulder injuries in the future?
Yes, physical therapy can help prevent future injuries by improving shoulder strength, flexibility, and posture, as well as teaching proper techniques for repetitive activities.
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