Physical therapy at MyoFit Clinic is the best option to avoid orthopedic shoulder surgery
By Dr. Adam Cramer, PT, DPT; MyoFit Clinic
If all the joints in our body, the shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion.
Our shoulders sustain sprains and strains, dislocations, tendinitis, torn rotator cuffs, bursitis, frozen shoulder, fractures, arthritis and a host of other injuries and conditions.
Because it is such a mobile joint, you can hurt it in falls, when you strain to try to reach something, when you lift something heavy, and even when you throw a ball or play a game. Sometimes it becomes injured and painful just from a gradual irritation or deterioration over time.
If you don’t get it treated when the pain starts, it has the potential to lead to larger problems.
You do not need an X-ray or MRI to diagnose shoulder pain. Often when specialists rely on imaging for diagnosing, it can open up a can of worms because there are false positives. We all have abnormalities within our muscles and joints but the “abnormal” structures found on X-rays and MRIs don’t necessarily correlate to the limited function at hand. Patients then have a higher likelihood of receiving invasive procedures such as surgery or injections, which a majority of the time are not needed for most shoulder pain patients.
A trained doctor of physical therapy will be able to diagnose specifically what structure is limiting the function by performing various tests on your muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons throughout the initial evaluation process to pinpoint the problem.
Where Do You Look for Relief?
Too often when twinges of pain erupt in the shoulder, busy people just pop a painkiller and push on through their day. The next day hurts even more, so they take a few more pills and continue without seeking help. Some seek out a surgeon who can only provide surgery as an option, when they actually don’t want or even need surgery. Seeing a physician-owned therapy service will also limit your potential for success in avoiding surgery, because these physical therapists only see postoperative patients and are not equipped to help you avoid surgery.
Independent Physical Therapists Can Help
When you consult with an independent doctor of physical therapy at MyoFit Clinic, you can expect that first you will be evaluated so he or she can determine the cause of your pain and then offer an effective way to treat it—the same day. Some common shoulder problems we treat include rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, stroke recovery and shoulder fracture.
A combination of hands on treatment to loosen the muscles and joints is combined with dry needling, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, hot and cold treatments, or Kinesio taping. Add to that stretching and strengthening exercises along with education on proper posture and movement to decrease the pain.
What to Expect
With each visit you will receive pain-relieving treatment to control pain and inflammation without pharmaceuticals. You will also be given a program of exercises to do at home between visits to continue to heal and strengthen your shoulder.
Your independent physical therapist can help you heal from your shoulder pain, avoiding surgery, saving you money, and returning you to your normal life.
Adam M. Cramer, PT, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist, shoulder specialist and founder of MyoFit Clinic located in Chardon, Middlefield and Ashtabula. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and preventative check-ups are covered by insurances, and the clinics accept Medicare, Medicaid and all commercial insurances. Visit MyoFitClinic.com or call 440-286-1007 to find out more. Find them on Facebook and Instagram: @MyoFitClinic.