Winter Tip
No Referral Needed!
Can I see a Physical Therapist without a referral or prescription?
One of the most common questions we get is “Do I need a referral or prescription to come see you?” The answer to this question is “NO”!
Maybe you’ve tweaked your back while out in the yard, trying to do too much too quickly so you could catch the end of the baseball game. Maybe you’ve pushed yourself a little too hard preparing for your next race and that ache in your knee won’t go away, even after a couple days off. Maybe you simply took a funny step off the curb and are feeling a little twinge in your ankle. Wouldn’t it be great if you could cut out a few steps (and save a few dollars) and head directly to your physical therapist? YOU CAN! Give us a call today for more information!
WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR SHOULDER PAIN? The majority of pain that travels to your shoulder from your neck is referred pain. Your shoulder may not necessarily be the problem. In fact, the first 10 degrees of movement in your shoulder comes from your shoulder joint. The rest relies on the movement of your upper back, neck, shoulder blade, and collar bones. If these areas work incorrectly then shoulder pain can occur.
Most neck and shoulder pain is a result of prolonged poor posture, lifting heavy objects and minor falls or injuries. These irritate the joints in the neck and upper back. This then makes the muscles around the upper back and shoulder tighten and become sore. Suddenly, you now have neck and shoulder pain. There are many nerves that come off of the cervical (neck) vertebral bodies that pass down in front of the shoulder heading towards the arm. Irritation of these nerves can refer pain to the shoulder. Poor posture, especially with sitting at work or at home, can cause this to occur. Rotation of the neck or tilting of the neck may create your shoulder pain if these nerves are involved. It is important that a physical therapist examine you thoroughly if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you have had a fall or injury and suddenly develop shoulder and neck pain seek help immediately. Any injury may affect the many sensitive structures in your neck and upper back. Shoulder and neck pain if they occur together may relate to disc injuries. This is more likely if you are having neck and arm pain, rather than just shoulder pain. Pain that travels down the arm to any extent may indicate more severe problems.
Shoulder pain can result in restricted movement of your body. Pain involves the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, and respiratory system. To avoid referred shoulder pain or any kind of referred pain, you should have a strong immune system for prevention of diseases. A strong body can fight infection or disease and can enhance the functioning of all the body systems. A balanced diet, regular physical therapy exercises and a stress-free mind are the keys to maintaining an active life. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, consult one of our expert physical therapists for a full evaluation to determine where your problem is originating from, so correct treatments can be applied to help you.
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