5 signs you should see a shoulder specialist near you
- KC Rehab Team
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Is your shoulder supposed to make that sound when you move? Is it meant to feel that way when you hold it in certain positions or do certain things? Probably not. If your shoulder doesn’t feel right, it may be time to look for a shoulder specialist near you.
At one of KC Rehab’s locations, you can discuss your shoulder with a physical therapist. They can make an assessment and share any treatments that may be helpful.
Which signs tell you that it’s time to see a physical therapist?
It might be hard to tell when it’s time to see a professional, but your shoulder can give you some cues. These might take the form of:
New discomfort during familiar activities
Maybe you have been pitching baseballs with ease since you first learned to, but now, your shoulder hurts. Maybe rowing, rock climbing, lifting weights or moving things around your home makes your shoulder stiff or sore. If your shoulder doesn’t feel right during activities that used to be more comfortable, it may be time to see a shoulder specialist.
If you’re experiencing acute shoulder pain, don’t delay treatment. Consult a shoulder specialist right away.
Signs of possible soft tissue injury
Does your shoulder feel sore, tender or stiff? Are the symptoms disrupting your routine? You might have developed a problem like tendinitis or a rotator cuff injury. You can learn more about your shoulder issue by consulting a physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts on the musculoskeletal system, and they have techniques to help you with your recovery goals, whether you’re looking to regain mobility or reduce pain.
Signs of potential bone or joint injury
If you have been through an injury like a fracture or dislocation, your shoulder may need some assistance to recover more fully. You may have lingering pain, tenderness or stiffness. Your shoulder might hurt when moved in specific ways or at certain times, like when you lean your elbows on a desk or table. If you have previously had a dislocation, you may feel that your shoulder is unstable or at risk of dislocating again. A physical therapist can work with you to strengthen the joint.
Symptoms of arthritis or another condition
Have you noticed your shoulder making a sound, like clicking or popping? Do you feel a grinding sensation when you move it? These sounds and sensations, as well as pain, can indicate a medical condition like osteoarthritis. Swelling might suggest rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune condition. A shoulder specialist near you may provide treatments to reduce pain and target your joint condition.
If you’re living with joint pain, deterioration or inflammation, you may be in significant pain. Don’t wait to treat it; work with a physical therapist to reduce your discomfort.
Playing a sport that requires shoulder strength or mobility
Maybe your shoulder is in “good enough” shape now, and you want to make sure that it stays that way for all the games ahead of you. A physical therapist can help you protect your shoulder’s health, whether you’re a professional, student-athlete or weekend warrior.
Consult a KC Rehab physical therapist about your shoulder
You shouldn’t have to move through your day with shoulder pain. You shouldn’t have to be held back by stiffness, weakness or instability, either. When your shoulder doesn’t feel how it should, reach out to a physical therapist at KC Rehab. They can do the following things for you:
Provide physical therapy to treat your shoulder. This may begin with gentle exercises to build strength and help you move more easily.
Offer industrial rehabilitation to help you get back to work. This might start with an evaluation, then physical therapy that builds toward completing work-related tasks.
Create a sports medicine plan for your return to a sport. This can be targeted to your current performance and future longevity in your sport.
Treat shoulder pain with one of our specialty services. At KC Rehab, we offer dry needling and personalized blood flow restriction (PBFR) training.
In addition, here are a few simple exercises for shoulder strength and mobility.
To learn more about what our physical therapists can do for you, reach out to us today. We can discuss your shoulder, answer any questions and provide information on all of our treatment options. You can find information on scheduling, insurance and what to expect at your first appointment on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.