Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain, weakness or stiffness most often comes from the rotator cuff, impingement, frozen shoulder or instability. Many shoulder problems, including some rotator cuff tears, can be treated without surgery, and physical therapy is the usual first step. PAR Physical Therapy treats shoulder pain in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
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Rotator cuff tendinitis and rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is four small muscles that steady the ball of the shoulder.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Rotator cuff tendinitis is an irritated tendon from overuse or poor shoulder mechanics. It hurts reaching overhead or behind you.
Rotator cuff tear
A tear can be partial or full. A partial tear often does well with strengthening and movement training. A large or sudden tear may need a surgeon's opinion.
Can't lift my arm
If you can't lift your arm after a fall or a sudden pop, call a doctor. Slower loss of lift usually points to cuff trouble we can examine.
Impingement, bursitis and frozen shoulder
Shoulder impingement
Tendons get pinched under the bony roof of the shoulder as you raise your arm. Painful arc, catching or aching follows.
Shoulder bursitis
The bursa, a cushion between the tendon and bone, becomes irritated and sore with overhead reach.
Frozen shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis stiffens the joint capsule so you lose motion in every direction. It passes through painful, stiff and recovery phases that can take many months.
Shoulder pain at night, and pain lifting the arm overhead
Shoulder pain at night is common because lying on the side compresses the joint. Pillow support and sleep positions help, and treating the cause matters more. Overhead pain suggests the cuff or the shoulder blade is not working in rhythm. Your therapist checks how your shoulder blade, upper back and neck move together. Pain that starts in the neck is covered on Neck Pain. Elbow and forearm problems have their own page, Elbow Pain (Tennis & Golfer's Elbow).
Shoulder instability, dislocation and labral tears
A shoulder that slips or feels loose needs control, not just strength.
- After a dislocated shoulder, we guide movement back in steps and build the muscles that hold the joint in place
- Labral tears and SLAP tears are managed with strengthening and scapular stabilization first, and surgery is for those who do not improve
- Hands-on manual therapy and joint mobilization for stiff areas
- Dry Needling, cupping and IASTM for tight muscle and scar tissue, when it fits (see IASTM)
- Golfers and swimmers: TPI-based swing and overhead mechanics review
When surgery makes sense
Surgery is worth discussing if you have a large traumatic tear, a shoulder that keeps dislocating, or you have not improved after a fair trial of therapy. After surgery, therapy follows your surgeon's protocol. See post-surgical rehab. Athletes may also read Sports Injury Rehab. Shoulder arthritis is on Arthritis & Joint Pain.
Shoulder questions
Do I need an MRI first?
Not always. Your therapist examines the shoulder first and tells you if imaging or a doctor's visit makes sense.
Shoulder care in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic or request an appointment. Same-day appointments are possible, and we accept most insurance plans.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet