Shoulder Pain Doesn’t Have to Slow You Down This Fall
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us take on seasonal projects like raking leaves, stacking firewood, or packing away summer gear. Unfortunately, these very tasks can sometimes leave us with nagging shoulder pain. Whether it’s a dull ache when you reach overhead, stiffness when you roll out of bed, or a sharp pain when lifting, shoulder issues are one of the most common reasons people seek help from physical therapy.
At ElmTree Physical Therapy, we encounter shoulder pain across all age groups and activity levels. Sometimes it starts with one awkward movement, but more often it’s the result of years of wear and tear gradually catching up.
The good news? Research consistently shows that physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain, restore motion, and help you get back to the activities you love.
See You Later, Brian!
A big ole see ya later to our friend Brian in Hamlin!! Brian’s shoulder is feeling amazing and he has been discharged from PT! Brian is going to be returning for personal training with our trainers in Hamlin to keep his shoulder and whole body strong to prevent further injury and keep up with his exercises!!
Can’t wait to see you back Brian!!
Welcome Back, Lew!
We are so thrilled to welcome back Lewis Krasniak, PTA to our Hamlin team! After bravely undergoing cancer treatment these past few months, Lew is back and stronger than ever.
Lew has been a Physical Therapy Assistant for decades and has shared his knowledge as a clinical instructor and mentor to many of our therapists, including Tim, Marcus, Sofia, and Hannah. His compassion, experience, and dedication have made him an incredible part of ElmTree, and we have missed him so much.
Please join us in giving Lew a warm welcome back—we’re so grateful to have him with us again! ❤️
Why Shoulder Pain Happens
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it one of the most vulnerable. Common causes of pain include:
- Rotator cuff problems (tears or tendinopathy)
- Impingement (when tissues in the shoulder get pinched during movement)
- Arthritis or bursitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis, leading to stiffness and pain)
- Overuse injuries from repetitive motions at work or during sports
According to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, exercise therapy is strongly recommended as the initial treatment for shoulder pain, as it improves pain, mobility, and overall function.
How Physical Therapy Makes a Difference
Physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all program. At ElmTree, your care begins with a thorough evaluation of strength, mobility, posture, and pain levels. From there, we design a plan that typically includes:
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques like gentle joint mobilizations or soft tissue massage help reduce stiffness and make movement less painful.
- Mobility and stretching exercises: Targeted stretches improve range of motion and ease that “frozen” feeling.
- Strengthening: Building up the rotator cuff and supporting muscles provides stability and helps prevent re-injury.
- Functional training: Practicing real-life movements, like lifting overhead or carrying groceries, ensures your shoulder can handle everyday tasks.
Research also shows that people who combine supervised therapy with a home program see better long-term results than those who “rest and wait.”
A Real ElmTree Example
Brian, a patient at our Hamlin clinic, came to us when shoulder pain was interfering with his everyday life. Through a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and functional training, Brian regained his strength and mobility. After completing his physical therapy, he felt confident enough to move on to personal training with our ElmTree team to keep his shoulder strong and prevent future injury.
Brian’s story highlights an important point: recovery doesn’t end when the pain stops. Continuing to stay active and build strength is key to keeping shoulder problems from returning.
Step Into Our Virtual Garden!
This month, we’re bringing a bit of sunshine straight to you. Take a stroll through ElmTree’s very own garden in our new virtual garden tour video! You’ll see the colors of the season up close — and don’t miss the enormous Canna Lillies and Sunflowers that have become the stars of the garden. Click below to take the tour now!
Don’t Put It Off
Shoulder pain rarely gets better by ignoring it. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to restore full function. At ElmTree, education is just as important as exercise. When patients understand what’s happening in their shoulder and how their efforts make a difference, they’re more likely to see meaningful improvements in both pain and function.
At ElmTree, our goal is simple: help you move with confidence so you can enjoy the season without discomfort. So if shoulder pain is keeping you from your fall projects or holiday preparations, give us a call. Together, we’ll build a plan to get you back to living the life you want—pain-free.
Clinic Update: Fall Fun at ElmTree
It’s fall, y’all! Thanks to Lisa’s creativity, our clinic windows are dressed up for the season with a festive Charlie Brown and Snoopy theme. The colorful fall designs bring a smile to everyone who passes by—patients and staff alike. Be sure to stop in and see the display when you’re in the neighborhood, it’s the perfect way to welcome autumn!
1 on 1 training packages & pricing
1 session: $50
4 sessions: $185
6 sessions: $275
8 sessions: $360
10 sessions $450
Three Exercises to Strengthen Your Shoulders and Upper Back
Maintaining strength throughout your shoulders and upper back is crucial to avoid neck pain! The physical therapists at ElmTree Physical Therapy can help you develop a customized exercise program that addresses your needs and fits with your abilities.
Curious about what exercises we might include in that program? Here’s an overview of three common resistance training exercises we often use to help people with neck discomfort. Before trying any of them yourself, make an appointment with our team to ensure you’re using the right weight and proper form.
- Shoulder Press: With a dumbbell in each hand, make a “field goal ” shape with your arms: your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle with your palms facing up. Brace your core as you press the weights overhead, then slowly lower them back down to your starting position.
- Reverse Flies: Lean forward at your waist with your elbows slightly bent and dumbbell in each hand. Slowly raise the weights until they are in line with your shoulders.
- Modified Push-Ups: Push-ups are a great way to build upper back and shoulder strength, but if you find the standard push-up too difficult, never fear: the modified version is just as effective. Start on your hands and knees (instead of your feet) with the body in a straight line from head to knee. Slowly lower your chest until it’s a few inches off the floor, then rise back up.
A dedicated strength-training program is a great way to reduce neck discomfort. Schedule an appointment with us to get started with one of your own!
Sources
- Pieters L, et al. “Exercise therapy for subacromial shoulder pain.” J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2020;50(3):131-141.
- Wu D, et al. “Specific modes of exercise for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain.” JOSPT. 2024.
- Yang F, et al. “Analgesic strategies combined with physiotherapy for chronic shoulder pain.” J Orthop Surg Res. 2024.
- Zhang Z, et al. “Effectiveness of education for people with shoulder pain.” Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. 2024.
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neck_Pain_Tool-kit:_Step_3