As many of you know, shoulders are dynamic joints that endure significant pressure and rotation every day. As an athlete myself, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with mine. I was a softball pitcher and also played volleyball and basketball in high school and college, so my shoulders have certainly been put to the test. Through these experiences, I’ve rehabbed my own injuries and helped many elite athletes prevent, recover, and restore full function to their shoulders.
I want to share some key insights I’ve gained over the years:
- Rehabilitation needs vary greatly—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating shoulder injuries.
- Prevention is crucial for maintaining a proper range of motion and muscle length to avoid injuries. Seek treatment before you feel pain!
- A strong rotator cuff alone isn’t enough; you must also control dynamic movement and deceleration of your arm.
- Strong legs can help prevent energy leaks and reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.
- Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff can occur over time but don’t always require surgical repair.
- Sitting all day with a forward posture at your desk is detrimental to your shoulders.
- Overhand sports like softball, tennis, lacrosse, and swimming are often undertreated. If you have a shoulder, seeing us can help you reach your peak performance!
At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, our goal is to provide you with personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are dealing with an injury or looking to prevent one, we are here to support you every step of the way.
In Health,
Jill Marlan, PT, OMPT, MSPT, CSCS
CEO/ Founder
Shoulder pain and injuries are common issues that can significantly affect a person’s daily life and overall well-being. Physical therapy is a proven, non-invasive treatment option for addressing shoulder problems. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of physical therapy for shoulder health, highlight some effective exercises, and outline what to expect during a therapy session.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Shoulder Health
Physical therapy offers numerous advantages for managing shoulder pain and injuries, such as:
🩹 Pain Relief: Physical therapy reduces shoulder pain by strengthening surrounding muscles, enhancing joint mobility, and minimizing inflammation.
🤸 Improved Range of Motion: Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises improve shoulder flexibility and mobility.
💪 Enhanced Functionality: Therapy restores the shoulder’s functionality, making daily tasks and activities easier.
🔒 Reduced Risk of Re-Injury: By strengthening the muscles and improving joint stability, physical therapy helps prevent future injuries.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing chronic shoulder pain, physical therapy can provide relief and long-term benefits for a healthier, more functional shoulder.
We’re excited to announce that Occupational Therapy (OT) is now available at Peak Performance Physical Therapy’s Lansing location!
Occupational Therapy helps people of all ages improve their ability to perform everyday tasks—whether that’s getting dressed, preparing meals, returning to work, or managing life after an injury or illness. Our certified Occupational Therapists work one-on-one with patients to improve strength, coordination, and confidence in daily activities.
OT can help with:
- Post-surgical and injury recovery
- Neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s, or MS
- Pediatric and geriatric therapy
- Workplace ergonomics and injury prevention
- Fine motor skills and daily living challenges
Now Accepting New Patients!
If you or someone you know could benefit from Occupational Therapy, schedule an evaluation today!
Paula Manning- MSOTR/L
We’re excited to welcome Paula Manning, MSOTR/L, to Peak Performance Physical Therapy. Paula brings over 15 years of experience in outpatient and inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, with a strong focus on upper extremity treatment. She’s known for her calm, patient-centered approach and exceptional clinical skills. With certifications in LSVT and casting, she delivers highly individualized, functional care. Paula will be treating patients at our Lansing location, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team.
Hannah Finnerty PA-C
I am a certified Physician Assistant at Cornerstone Family Practice, where my team and I have been providing patient-centered care since 2019. We are passionate about preventative medicine and take a holistic approach to healthcare—focusing on identifying the root causes of health concerns and treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I earned my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Calvin University, where I also had the opportunity to play on the women’s basketball team. I then completed my Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Butler University, where I deepened my commitment to delivering thoughtful, comprehensive care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active through sports, gardening, reading, and being outdoors. I believe that living a balanced, healthy lifestyle enhances the care I provide and reflects the values my team and I bring to our practice each day.
My team and I are currently welcoming new patients and would be honored to be part of your healthcare journey.
Joe Mitrzyk- Physical Therapist | Lansing Clinic Manager
Hey everyone! My name is Joe and I grew up in the middle of the woods in the small town of Standish, MI. I attended Alma College where I majored in Integrated Physiology and Health Sciences and was also a member on the Men’s Basketball team. I then attended Central Michigan University where I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I have been with Peak Performance for the last 4 years as a physical therapist, and I have also been the manager at our Lansing clinic for the last 3 years. I love working with athletes and higher functioning adults that are interested in returning to the gym, as I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Barbell Rehab Method Specialist. My favorite part of being a physical therapist is that I am able to utilize my passion of fitness with my patients to help them regain function and return to doing the things that they love, and I also love building relationships with my patients through conversation and laughter. I always strive to not only help with your pain with a holistic approach, but to empower you through education and lifestyle modifications to help with increasing long term outcomes.
Laura Wiborn– Billing Specialist
Hello! I’ve been married to my husband Rob for 16 years. He’s the head of maintenance for two apartment complexes. We have a blended family of five children—two of my own and three bonus daughters—and 15 grandchildren. My oldest daughter, Ariel, has one child graduating high school on June 2 and studied to become a medical assistant. My son, Chase, graduated with honors, earned a Mechatronics degree from LCC, made the Dean’s List twice, and is a published author. I have an Administrative Medical Assistant degree and over 30 years of experience in primary care, neurosurgery, and physical therapy. I’m currently working toward my billing and coding certification. In my free time, I enjoy traveling (especially to Tennessee), watching Netflix, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Managing Shoulder Pain
There are simple and effective ways that you can treat your shoulder pain at home. These include healthy lifestyle changes; exercise; healthy posture and body mechanics; and ice and heat.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Begin standing or sitting with your arms relaxed at your sides. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, then relax and repeat. Make sure to begin in healthy posture – keeping your ears and shoulders in alignment over your hips; keep your back relaxed; and do not shrug your shoulders during the exercise.
