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, Peak Performance Physical Therapy
How can physical therapy help with shoulder injuries?
Shoulder injuries and pain are a common problem that can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Physical therapy is often recommended as a non-invasive treatment option for shoulder injuries and pain. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for the shoulder, the different types of exercises that can be used, and what to expect during a physical therapy session.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for the Shoulder
Physical therapy for the shoulder has numerous benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: Physical therapy can help reduce pain in the shoulder by strengthening the muscles around it, improving joint mobility, and reducing inflammation.
- Improved Range of Motion: Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion in the shoulder by stretching and strengthening the muscles.
- Improved Function: Physical therapy can improve the function of the shoulder, making it easier to perform daily tasks and activities.
- Reduced Risk of Re-Injury: Physical therapy can help prevent future shoulder injuries by strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint and improving its stability.
C. L. Wilcox, DO
Luke Wilcox is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has gone into the field of medicine knowing that he wanted to work with people and help them improve their lifestyle and recover from injuries. Growing up and playing sports, Luke, unfortunately, had several injuries, but he was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with several wonderful orthopedic surgeons who showed him the possibilities of being a doctor and helping people in their recovery process. Luke finds the best part of his job is getting to work with people on a daily basis, being able to interact with them and help them understand the pathology and problems they suffer from. In his spare time away from medicine, Luke enjoys spending time with his family, especially watching his kids participate in sports.
Lily Tucker – Physical Therapy Assistant
I am Lily Tucker, a physical therapist assistant at the Okemos Peak Performance Clinic for 2 years. I was born and raised in Delaware, OH. I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Ohio Northern University in 2017. During that time I completed an internship at a sports based PT clinic and absolutely fell in love with the field. After my husband completed his graduate degree, knowing we wanted a change of scenery and that I wanted to go back to school, we moved to Michigan where I attended Kellogg Community College and graduated from their Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2021. Upon graduation I took the job here at Peak.
When I was younger I always knew I wanted to do something that involved helping people when I grew up and once I discovered PT I could not see myself doing anything else. I love the outpatient setting and getting to help people in a wide variety of patient populations.
When I am not at work you can find me spending time with my husband and our 6 year old Boston Terrier, Sebastian. I also really enjoy reading, crafting, disc golf, and spending time with my friends and family.
See how it’s done. Click the link below!
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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: To do 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.
