Shoulder Pain and Popping When Lifting the Arm
Shoulder pain and a popping sensation when lifting the arm are not uncommon. You may wonder what is happening to your shoulder or if it is a long-term thing. These symptoms can be troubling and can get in the way of the arm-lifting you do in your everyday life.
But don't worry! This article will explore the common reasons for these symptoms, what you can do about them, and how physical therapy in Aurora, IL can help.
Causes of Shoulder Pain and Popping When Lifting Arm
Several conditions can lead to shoulder pain alongside an accompanying popping or clicking sound.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
One of the most common causes is injury to the rotator cuff, which is made up of the four muscles and their tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. These injuries may happen due to a certain movement pattern but often a lot of them are just totally random. And they can cause a lot of pain and also a popping sound that can be kind of alarming. Tendinitis and tears are common injuries that can affect the rotator cuff.
The tendons in the rotator cuff can also become inflamed. This frequently happens when a person uses the shoulder too much or too often. Tendinitis can result in pain, especially when the person attempts to lift the arm or reach it over the head.
Also, the pain and weakness resulting from a tear in the rotator cuff tendons can be debilitating. If the tear is partial, the tendon may be able to function somewhat. But if the tear is full, the tendon can no longer function at all.
Shoulder Impingement
Impingement is a condition that frequently results from bone spurs and inflamed bursae. Bone spurs are bony protrusions that grow along the shoulder blade and can narrow the passageway for the rotator cuff tendons, leading to impingement.
The bursa is a sac filled with fluid that allows the shoulder joint to move freely; when it becomes inflamed, it can make impingement more painful.
Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilises the shoulder. When the space in the shoulder is too tight, the tendons and other structures can get pinched, especially during overhead activities.
The labrum can tear from an injury such as a shoulder dislocation. Repetitive strain can also cause tears. Torn labrums are not a good thing. They lead to pain and may make the shoulder unstable.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause swelling and inflammation in your shoulder joints. This can cause pain and a popping sound whenever you lift your arm and try to reach overhead.
How to Manage Shoulder Pain and Popping When Lifting Arm
If you have shoulder pain and popping, there are a few things you can do to treat it and a few changes you can make in your daily life to prevent further shoulder irritation. You could apply ice to your shoulder several times each day. The idea is to help bring down the inflammation of your shoulder and also to help with the pain that you have.
Another therapeutic option is applying heat, which can help with relaxation and muscle stiffness. A warm compress or heating pad, applied to the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes, can provide some relief.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and err on the side of caution. If you have specific concerns about taking an NSAID, consult your physician.
You can also do gentle but purposeful stretching and strengthening exercises. These can improve shoulder mobility and stability.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Shoulder pain can flare up for a multitude of reasons. Therapists try to get to the bottom of why the discomfort is occurring, and they do this by assessing and observing your symptoms. They will ask about your medical history and feel around the area of discomfort, looking for clues as to why the shoulder is hurting.
Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that may consist of the following treatment techniques;
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises that fall under the category of "strengthening" target specific muscles to support the shoulder joint. These are not your traditional weightlifting exercises. Rather, they are geared toward establishing a strong foundation at the shoulder that prevents injury and, to a great extent, generally improves your activities of daily living and your work life.
Postural Training
Posture refers to the set position that the body maintains when you are upright or sitting for long periods. Your physical therapist will also look at your body mechanics—how you move, lift, push, and pull when performing tasks at home or in your workplace. These evaluations help your therapist gauge the probable "roots" of your shoulder problem.
From there, they will use retraining exercises that relieve shoulder joint stress while making you more efficient at work and at home.
Education and Self-Management
Shoulder problems can arise from not avoiding specific aggravating movements, poor posture in day-to-day activities, and insufficient warm-up before engaging in physically demanding activities. Therefore, when you visit a physical therapist, you can expect not just to be treated for the current problem you're having but also to be coached on future prevention strategies. These include self-management techniques, which are quite easy to follow and sensible.
When to Seek Professional Help for Shoulder Pain
Should your shoulder pain and popping not resolve with conservative treatment, or if you experience the onset of more severe symptoms that may include pain, weakness, or a limited range of motion with your shoulder, it's critical that you seek the care of a professional.
Shoulder therapy in Aurora includes a full evaluation of your shoulder and if necessary, imaging tests to get a closer look at the bones and soft tissues. After establishing the true nature of your problem—and not just the symptoms—you will be set on a course to relief that may include physical therapy, medications, or surgical options.
Conclusion
Think about including physical therapy in your treatment plan to get at the real reasons behind your shoulder pain and popping. With the right methods, you can be more comfortable and get your shoulder back to normal in terms of mobility. You should visit a physical therapist for an assessment of your symptoms. They can create a tailored treatment plan that helps you regain your mobility and range of motion.