Neck & Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

Whether it’s stiffness or a sharp, stabbing sensation, neck and shoulder pain can interfere with work, recreation, and living a joyful life. At Coastal Movement Specialists, our trained occupational and physical therapists are passionate about helping you to reduce your pain so you can return safely and quickly to an active and fulfilling life. Learn more about neck and shoulder pain physical therapy below, and contact us today to schedule an appointment in our Johns Island, SC office.

Causes of Neck Pain

There are many reasons you can have neck pain. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Muscle strain due to overuse

  • Whiplash due to automobile accidents

  • Nerve compression due to a herniated disk

  • Osteoarthritis due to the joint wear and tear with age

  • Tight neck muscles due to stress

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+ Risk Factors for Neck Pain

Anyone can develop neck pain at any time during their life, but several factors can increase your risk, such as:

  • Lack of adequate neck strength
  • Poor posture
  • Female gender
  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Depressed mood

+ Symptoms of Neck Pain

Neck injury and pain can involve one or more of these symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Stabbing or stinging pain
  • Pain radiating down the arm
  • Difficulty gripping objects
  • Headaches
  • Arm numbness and weakness
  • Imbalance and dizziness

+ Causes of Shoulder Pain

Although injury to rotator cuff tendons causes most cases of shoulder pain, there are many other causes, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Overuse injury
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Bone spurs

+ Risk Factors for Shoulder Pain

The overhead motion necessary for several sports puts participants at a higher risk for shoulder injury and pain. Other factors can raise the risk for anyone to experience shoulder pain, including:

  • Age
  • Bone spurs
  • Activities such as swimming and tennis
  • Traumatic injury
  • Poor posture
  • Medical conditions such as arthritis and thyroid disease

+ Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Each cause of shoulder pain can create a distinct set of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms associated with shoulder injury and pain include:

  • Deep shoulder joint pain
  • Loss of joint mobility
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling or burning pain
  • Radiating pain down the arm
  • Clicking sound or sensation

+ The Neck and Shoulder Connection

It is common for neck and shoulder pain to overlap because of the many nerve connections between them. Neck pain can radiate to the shoulder and vice versa, making it difficult to identify the source of your pain. The experienced therapists at Coastal Movement Specialists are trained to complete a thorough examination to identify the source of your pain.

+ How Physical Therapy Can Help

Our occupational and physical therapists can help you reduce and manage your pain to potentially avoid the need for surgery or pain medications such as opioids. In addition, we will work with you to provide an individualized treatment plan which may include exercises to increase strength, improve flexibility, and enhance mobility. We can also help you improve your posture and work habits to prevent future problems with your neck or shoulders.

Schedule an Appointment

Located on Johns Island, SC, Coastal Movement Specialists serves the entire Charleston area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced physical therapists.