Shoulder pains may complicate simple things. You may find that you can hardly raise your arm, put your hand up, or sleep on the sore side. It is a big concern for many. Often it is not serious. It may be shoulder impingement. We will help you recognize the signs and know what to do next.
What Is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement happens when tendons or soft tissue get pinched. This can occur when you lift your arm. It can cause pain and swelling. Over time, the tendon can get tired and sore. Simple tasks like brushing hair or reaching for a shelf can hurt.
Common Signs
Here are common signs to watch for:
- Pain when lifting your arm above your head.
- Pain when reaching behind your back.
- Pain that is worse at night or when lying on the sore shoulder.
- A dull ache in the outer shoulder.
- Sharp pain with quick or overhead movements.
- Weakness when trying to lift or carry things.
If you have several of these signs, it could be shoulder impingement.
How The Pain Feels
The pain can be small at first. It may come and go. Over days or weeks, it may get worse. Some people feel a catching or rubbing inside the shoulder. Others feel a deep ache. If pain stops you from doing things you like, it is time to get help.
Simple Checks You Can Try at Home
Try these gentle checks to see how your shoulder feels. Stop if something hurts a lot.
- Stand straight and slowly lift your arm out to the side and then up over your head.
- Gently reach behind your back as if tucking in a shirt.
- Try to lift a light object to shoulder level.
If these make pain worse, it can point to impingement.
When To See Us
Call or visit us if:
- The pain lasts more than a week.
- Pain wakes you at night.
- You cannot lift your arm like before.
- You feel weakness when holding items.
Garden State Hand Therapy helps people with shoulder impingement. We work with your doctor. We check your whole arm and shoulder. We make a plan just for you.
How Garden State Hand Therapy Can Help
We are Garden State Hand Therapy. Dr. Arpita Dharia leads our team. She has more than 19 years of experience as an occupational therapist. She has a doctorate in occupational therapy and specializes in the arm, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Here is what we do to help:
- We listen to you and learn about your pain.
- We do a careful exam to find where it hurts.
- We teach simple moves and stretches you can do at home.
- We make custom orthotics if you need support.
- We use evidence-based care. This means we use treatments that work.
- We work with your doctor. We keep them in the loop.
- We give clear steps so you can get back to normal.
We also treat related problems. These include tendon pain, nerve pain and other shoulder or arm injuries. We help people after fractures or with arthritis. We give patient education and prosthetics when needed.
What To Expect in Therapy
At your first visit, we ask about your pain and daily tasks. We check how your shoulder moves. Then we make a short plan.
Common parts of therapy:
- Gentle stretches to help movement.
- Strength exercises to make muscles work better.
- Ice and simple pain tips for home.
- A brace or orthotic if your shoulder needs support.
- Advice on how to change how you move at work and home.
We teach you how to avoid actions that cause more pinching.
Quick Tips to Feel Better Now
Try these safe steps at home:
- Rest from tasks that cause sharp pain.
- Ice the area 2 times a day for 10-15 minutes.
- Keep your arm at a relaxed side when not in use.
- Try small, slow shoulder lifts without weight.
- Sleep with a small pillow under your arm if that helps.
If pain is severe or gets worse, stop these steps and call your doctor or us.
When It Might Be More Serious
If you have:
- Suddenly, very severe pain after a fall.
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand.
- Fever or red, hot skin near the shoulder.
Get medical help right away. These signs may mean another problem.
Closing
Shoulder impingement is common. It often gets better with simple care and the right exercises. You do not have to live with the pain. At Garden State Hand Therapy, we help you find the cause and give you steps to feel better. Dr. Arpita Dharia and our team make a care plan for you. We prioritize your needs. If your shoulder is sore and you can’t manage tasks, we’re here to assist.
FAQs
What Should I Do First?
Rest from painful moves. You can use ice for 10 to 15 minutes. If pain stays, get help.
Who Can Help Me with Shoulder Pain?
A hand and upper arm therapist can help. At Garden State Hand Therapy, we check your shoulder and make a simple plan for you.
