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Understanding Shoulder Injuries: Symptoms, Causes, and Pain Relief Options

Shoulder injuries are among the most common and often one of the most challenging types of upper body injuries to treat, as they can significantly affect your daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life. The shoulder is a highly flexible and versatile joint, enabling a wide range of motion that allows us to perform simple tasks like lifting objects, reaching overhead, and throwing a ball. However, this flexibility and range of motion also makes the shoulder joint more susceptible to injury. Shoulder injuries can occur due to various factors, including overuse, trauma, sudden accidents, poor posture, or as a result of the natural aging process, which can lead to wear and tear on the joint’s components.

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals provides personalized care for every patient that addresses the root cause of your shoulder injury, whether it is from a recent accident or the result of prolonged wear and tear. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we develop tailored rehabilitation plans that combine evidence-based therapies, advanced treatments, and techniques to facilitate healing and restore full function.

Our comprehensive approach includes physical therapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and medical interventions such as injections or referral for surgical consultation if necessary. Our goal is to not only relieve your shoulder pain but to also improve your strength, flexibility, and overall shoulder function, allowing you to return to your normal routine and activities with confidence and without pain.

Whether you are dealing with an acute injury from a recent accident or a long-standing shoulder issue, our team is here to help guide you through the recovery process. We work closely with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the best care possible and achieve a full recovery. At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to helping you regain your mobility, strength, and quality of life.

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Common Causes of Shoulder Injury and Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of motion, but this mobility also leaves it susceptible to injuries. The most common causes of shoulder pain include:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable overhead movements. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur due to repetitive motions like lifting or throwing, or from a sudden impact such as a fall. Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common shoulder injuries, ranging from mild tendonitis to full-thickness tears.

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures holding the shoulder joint together, like ligaments and tendons, are damaged. It can result from repetitive overhead movements, previous dislocations, or even genetic predispositions. People with shoulder instability may experience the sensation of the shoulder "slipping" out of place or feel pain and weakness during specific activities.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The symptoms gradually worsen, making it difficult to move the arm. Early identification is key to effective treatment and avoiding long-term limitations.

Fractures and Dislocations

A fall or direct trauma to the shoulder can cause fractures in the bones, such as the clavicle (collarbone) or humerus (upper arm bone). Dislocations, where the upper arm bone comes out of its socket, can also occur with falls or accidents, leading to intense pain and swelling.

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Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury

  • Pain
  • Swelling and Bruising
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Clicking or Popping
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Instability
  • Inflammation and Warmth

Diagnosing Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to address any underlying issues. At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we understand the complexities of shoulder injuries and are committed to providing you with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the cause of your pain.

Our diagnostic process begins with a detailed physical examination, where our skilled healthcare providers assess several key factors, including your range of motion, strength, and any signs of instability or dysfunction in the shoulder joint. This hands-on assessment allows us to pinpoint areas of concern, such as muscle weakness, joint instability, or tendon irritation, which may contribute to the pain you're experiencing.

In addition to the physical examination, we often recommend imaging tests to get a clearer view of your shoulder's internal structures. X-rays are frequently used to evaluate the bones for fractures, dislocations, or signs of arthritis. However, in cases where soft tissue damage, such as tears in the tendons or muscles, may be suspected, we may recommend more advanced imaging techniques like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or Digital Motion X-Rays. These imaging methods provide high-resolution images of the shoulder’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping us identify any tears, inflammation, or other soft tissue injuries that may not be visible on an X-ray.

Once we have gathered all the necessary information from both the physical examination and imaging tests, our team works collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. This individualized approach ensures that we address the root cause of your pain and use the most effective treatments available, whether they involve physical therapy, medications, injections, or in some cases, surgical interventions.

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we take a holistic approach to shoulder injury diagnosis and treatment, focusing on not just relieving pain but also restoring your strength, function, and mobility for long-term recovery. Our goal is to get you back to your normal routine as quickly and safely as possible.

Our Team

With over 5 decades of collective experience, our staff brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to your injury treatment and medical documentation that supports your legal claim. Our experience and caring approach allows us to provide thorough treatment to address your injuries and get you on the road to recovery.

Dr. Kelly Von-Schilling Worth, DC-DACAN

Double Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Chiropractic Internist

Dr. Eric Brueckner, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Elderize Von-Schilling Worth, CT, CRT

Chiropractic and Radiological Technician

Sejoon "Jay" Nakama CPT, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries

Treatment for shoulder injuries varies based on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Rest and Ice: Reducing activity and applying ice to the injured shoulder can help manage pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: A customized physical therapy program can help strengthen the shoulder muscles, restore range of motion, and prevent further injury.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: For severe pain, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce inflammation.

Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, or if the injury is severe, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:

  • Rotator Cuff Repair: For complete tears, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tendons.
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure used to treat shoulder instability, frozen shoulder, or tears in the labrum (the cartilage around the shoulder socket).
  • Shoulder Replacement: In rare cases of severe joint damage, a shoulder replacement may be considered.

When to Seek Medical Help

Shoulder injuries, whether caused by trauma, overuse, or other factors, should be evaluated promptly to avoid long-term complications and permanent damage. Timely intervention plays a crucial role in preventing further injury and ensuring effective recovery. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  1. Severe pain or swelling: Intense pain or noticeable swelling in the shoulder area, especially after an accident or injury, could indicate a serious problem such as a fracture, torn ligament, or other soft tissue damage. If the pain is persistent or worsening, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
  2. Inability to move the shoulder: If you find it difficult or impossible to move your shoulder or arm, this may suggest a significant injury such as a torn rotator cuff, joint dislocation, or severe inflammation. Loss of range of motion is a key sign that requires professional evaluation.
  3. A visible deformity or dislocation: A noticeable deformity, such as an abnormal shape or position of the shoulder joint, or the inability to move the arm properly, could indicate a dislocation or fracture. A shoulder that appears misaligned should be examined by a healthcare professional immediately to avoid long-term complications.
  4. Numbness or tingling in the arm: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand could signal nerve involvement, which could be a result of a dislocated shoulder, herniated disk, or other nerve-related injury. It’s important to have these symptoms checked as they may suggest nerve damage or compression.

Timely Medical Attention is Crucial

Delaying treatment for shoulder injuries can lead to significant and often irreversible consequences. When left untreated, shoulder injuries can become more complicated and harder to manage over time. One of the most common outcomes of delayed treatment is the development of chronic pain. Without proper care, the injury may cause persistent discomfort that lasts for months or even years. This ongoing pain can severely affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as reaching, lifting, or even sleeping comfortably, and can significantly diminish your overall quality of life.

Another concern with untreated shoulder injuries is the risk of muscle weakness. When a shoulder injury goes unaddressed, the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint may begin to weaken due to disuse, poor posture, or nerve damage. This gradual muscle weakening not only limits your shoulder's functionality but also increases the likelihood of further injury. Weak muscles are less able to support the joint, leading to instability and a higher risk of strains, sprains, or even dislocations.

In more severe cases, neglecting treatment can result in permanent loss of shoulder function. Certain shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or severe joint instability, can cause long-term damage if not properly treated in the early stages. This damage may make it impossible to fully recover the shoulder's range of motion or strength, leaving you with a permanent disability. This loss of function can greatly impact daily activities and may require long-term rehabilitation or, in some cases, surgical intervention to improve the condition.

For these reasons, seeking timely medical attention is essential to prevent long-term complications and to ensure the best possible outcome for your recovery. Early intervention not only helps alleviate pain but can also restore function and prevent further damage, ultimately giving you the best chance for a full recovery.

The Importance of an Early Diagnosis and Intervention

Seeking medical help as soon as symptoms arise can lead to better outcomes. Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to accurately assess the injury, determine the underlying cause, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Whether it involves physical therapy, medication, or, in some cases, surgical intervention, early intervention is key to reducing the risk of long-term damage and promoting a faster, more complete recovery.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

Why Choose Accident and Injury Rehab Center?

At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, your health and well-being are our top priorities. We understand how challenging it can be to recover from a shoulder injury, whether it’s due to a recent accident, sports-related trauma, or a chronic condition. That’s why our team of experienced healthcare professionals is committed to providing you with the highest level of care, tailored specifically to your needs.

We offer a comprehensive approach to shoulder injury rehabilitation, starting with a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Our team and our network of medical professionals, including physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and pain management experts, works together to create a personalized treatment plan aimed at promoting healing, reducing pain, and restoring function. From advanced diagnostic tools to specialized therapeutic techniques, we use the most effective methods to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.

Our goal is not only to treat the injury but to improve your overall health and quality of life. With our state-of-the-art facilities and evidence-based treatment protocols, we focus on regaining your strength, flexibility, and mobility. We understand that no two injuries are alike, so we tailor each rehabilitation program to meet the specific needs of your condition, ensuring optimal recovery and long-term results.

If you’re dealing with a shoulder injury, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our compassionate and skilled team is here to support you every step of the way. For more information, contact us today to schedule a consultation, and take the first step on your path to recovery and a pain-free life.

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Accident & Injury Rehab Center Will Help You Recover

Your recovery journey starts here at Accident & Injury Rehab Center of Milwaukee. Our dedicated care team has a proven track record of helping over 10,000 patients heal from injuries. We provide compassionate care to aid patients’ recovery. Our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives tailored treatment and proper documentation, helping secure the benefits they need and a seamless transition back to their lives.

Advanced medical treatment

In addition to our compassionate care and outpatient treatment, we work with a network of medical professionals to offer additional care such as Pain Management services, Orthopedic Evaluations and treatment, Neurodiagnostic testing, and Surgery if needed. These services allow us to provide more options for a wide range of injuries and fully develop an Impairment Rating to build solid documentation for your injury claim.

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At Accident and Injury Rehab Center, we offer same-day appointments to get you on the path to recovery as soon as possible. Give us a call or complete the form below to get started with a free consultation. We’re eager to meet you.

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