Shoulder Pain

Understanding and Overcoming Shoulder Pain with PHASE Physical Therapy in Arroyo Grande, CA

When it comes to living with persistent shoulder pain, many people often ask:

A common belief is that shoulder pain will simply go away on its own. Many expect to wake up one day and find that the pain has disappeared as if by magic. However, months later, the pain often remains or even worsens.

Does This Sound Familiar?

At PHASE Physical Therapy, we frequently see individuals who have followed their doctor’s advice to rest and take painkillers, only to find that the pain persists or returns with greater intensity. Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself—going back to the doctor after weeks of no improvement, only to be prescribed stronger medication that still doesn’t provide lasting relief.

Does That Ring a Bell?

It’s easy to become confused when dealing with shoulder pain, especially if you’ve been given different advice from various healthcare professionals. Sometimes, you might think the problem lies in your shoulder, but it could actually be stemming from another area, such as your neck. This uncertainty can lead to procrastination and inaction, leaving you stuck in pain. Worse, many people accept shoulder pain as a normal part of aging or life in general.

Is This How You Feel?

If you’re living with shoulder pain, here are 7 common reasons why it might be lasting longer than it should:

You assumed it would go away on its own – but it didn’t.
You visited the doctor, who recommended rest and painkillers – but the pills provided only temporary relief, and the pain returned.
A friend or family member told you that shoulder pain is a natural part of getting older, so you accepted it.
You sought help from other healthcare professionals or a physical therapist in the past, but nothing seemed to help.
You’ve tried using heating pads or TENS units, but they didn’t provide significant relief.
You thought resting was the best option because your shoulder pain was severe, but the pain still bothers you daily.
You opted for massages hoping they would fix the pain, but while they felt relaxing, they didn’t provide long-term relief.

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, we’d love to help you. We invite you to book a call with Dr. Sarah Leong-Lopes, PT, DPT, at PHASE Physical Therapy, to discuss what can be done to alleviate your shoulder pain. The fact that you’ve tried various methods means that we know what doesn’t work, bringing us closer to finding what does. Click the link below to book a call with us and get expert advice tailored to your situation.

The next question we often hear is:

“What Can I Do to Get Rid of Shoulder Pain?”

Here are 4 steps you can take:

Decide to Get Help – Many people delay seeking help, hoping that their shoulder pain will resolve on its own. But after months of waiting, the pain often persists or even worsens.
Do the Right Exercises – One of the most effective ways to relieve shoulder pain is through a series of specific, progressively challenging exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. These exercises can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help prevent the pain from returning.
Re-Balance Posture – Poor posture while sitting or sleeping can exacerbate shoulder pain. Strengthening exercises combined with hands-on treatment can help you maintain better posture and alleviate pain.
Get Hands-On Physical Therapy – Physical therapy has been proven to help those suffering from shoulder pain. At PHASE Physical Therapy, this is one of the most common issues we treat. Whether your pain is affecting your job, disturbing your sleep, limiting your activity, or interfering with your daily life, physical therapy can help you regain your quality of life.

How Can Choosing PHASE Physical Therapy Help You Get Rid of Shoulder Pain?

We can often reduce pain and stiffness within a few sessions.
We can help identify the root cause of your shoulder pain in as little as 20 minutes.
We can help you sleep better and enjoy more energy throughout the day.
We will ensure that your problem is addressed and healed properly with personalized exercises to speed up recovery.
We can help you reduce or eliminate the need for painkillers, which aren’t good for your long-term health.
We can help you avoid surgery or painful injections.
We can keep you out of the doctor’s waiting room.
We can help you return to enjoying quality time with family and friends without shoulder pain holding you back.
We can help you finally get a good night’s sleep without tossing and turning.

The team at PHASE Physical Therapy is dedicated to helping you live a life free from chronic shoulder pain. If you’d like to know about our availability and costs, click the button below and complete the short form: