Medical Billing Network Mending rotator cuff and shoulder injuries through physical therapy physical therapy billing,rehab billing

Mending rotator cuff and shoulder injuries through physical therapy

Published: 2010-07-18 17:14:17
By: John R. Mishock | The Mercury | April 12, 2010

Each year, more than 4 million people in the United States seek medical attention for shoulder complaints including tendonitis, bursitis, impingement, rotator cuff partial thickness tears, and rotator cuff ruptures.

As the owner of Mishock Physical Therapy and Associates (Gilbertsville, Barto, and Skippack), shoulder problems are one of the most common injuries we see in our clinics, second only to low back pain. This is due in part to the fact that the shoulder joint is the most dynamic and mobile joint of the body.

Certain lifestyle factors may also increase the chance of shoulder injury. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to injure your rotator cuff. In fact with the new intensity with which some kids and teens play sports they are more susceptible to shoulder and other musculoskeletal injuries. Furthermore, many adults will develop shoulder pain over time because, like other conditions associated with aging, shoulder conditions tend to increase as we get older.

To note, most people who develop a shoulder problem generally describe a vague achy pain, an inability to use the limb properly, and loss of strength. The condition will often worsen with arm activities over-head, reaching behind your back, or at night while sleeping.

Physical therapy: The first choice for shoulder pain

In clinical research trials, physical therapy has been proven very successful in treating shoulder problems, especially for tendonitis/bursitis, impingement, and partial rotator cuff tears. In my experience, if a patient can receive physical therapy first, there is a good chance they will recover fully; therefore preventing a full tear of the rotator cuff and avoiding possible surgery.

In treatment of shoulder injuries, physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help relieve shoulder pain and return the patient back to optimal function and performance. Some techniques are:

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