Shoulder Impingement in Pomona , NY
Understanding Shoulder Impingement: The Spinal Connection
Is your shoulder pain getting worse despite traditional treatments? Do you experience a sharp pinching sensation when reaching overhead or behind your back? While many healthcare providers focus solely on the shoulder joint, the root cause of your impingement might actually stem from your upper back posture. At Care PT of Rockland, we specialize in understanding how spinal conditions, particularly kyphosis (rounded upper back), can lead to shoulder impingement.
The Hidden Link Between Your Upper Back and Shoulder Pain
Many people don’t realize that their rounded upper back posture significantly affects their shoulder mechanics. When your upper back rounds forward (kyphosis), it creates a chain reaction:
Your shoulder blades tilt forward and down, narrowing the space where your rotator cuff tendons need to move. This altered positioning forces your shoulder to work in a compressed position, leading to the painful pinching sensation characteristic of shoulder impingement.
How Kyphosis Leads to Shoulder Problems
The progression from poor posture to shoulder impingement often follows a predictable pattern:
Your upper back gradually rounds forward, often due to prolonged desk work or device use. As this rounding (kyphosis) increases, your shoulder blades shift away from their optimal position. This change forces your shoulder joints to compensate, leading to:
- Reduced space for your rotator cuff tendons
- Altered shoulder blade movement patterns
- Increased stress on shoulder structures
- Progressive shoulder pain and weakness
Signs Your Shoulder Pain Might Be Posture-Related
Consider how many of these signs you experience:
- Pain worse with overhead activities
- Discomfort when reaching behind your back
- Shoulder pain that increases throughout the day
- Forward rounded shoulders
- Upper back stiffness
- Neck tension accompanying shoulder pain
Long-Term Solutions vs. Temporary Relief
Simply stretching your shoulders or strengthening your rotator cuff might provide temporary relief. However, if your kyphosis remains unaddressed, shoulder problems often return or worsen. Our approach focuses on creating lasting change by improving your spinal alignment, which naturally enhances shoulder function.
They are an amazing staff; they really care about you and your needs. They can take care of any concerns you have while taking the time to thoroughly explain the medical care that you need.
Very welcoming, knowledgeable, and thorough. I was able to voice my concerns and was given the care needed to resolve them. Very cost-efficient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t my other physical therapy helped my shoulder impingement?
Traditional physical therapy often focuses solely on the shoulder joint and rotator cuff. While this can provide temporary relief, if your impingement is related to kyphosis or poor upper back posture, the underlying cause remains unaddressed. Our specialized approach focuses on both your spinal alignment and shoulder mechanics for lasting results.
How can I tell if my shoulder pain is related to my posture?
If you notice that your pain increases when sitting at your desk for long periods, if you have visible rounded shoulders when looking in the mirror, or if your shoulder pain is accompanied by upper back stiffness, your posture likely plays a significant role in your symptoms. During your evaluation, we can demonstrate how your current posture affects your shoulder function.
How long does it typically take to see improvements?
Most patients begin noticing changes in their symptoms within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment. However, since we’re addressing both spinal alignment and shoulder mechanics, lasting improvements typically develop over 2-3 months of consistent treatment. Your specific timeline will depend on factors like the severity of your kyphosis and how long you’ve had shoulder symptoms.
Do I really need specialized spinal treatment for my shoulder pain?
If your shoulder impingement is related to kyphosis or poor posture (as it often is), then addressing spinal alignment becomes crucial for long-term relief. Traditional shoulder treatments might provide temporary relief, but without addressing the underlying postural issues, symptoms often return.
Beyond Traditional Shoulder Treatment
Many patients come to us frustrated after trying traditional shoulder treatments without success. That’s because treating the shoulder alone often misses the underlying spinal component. When shoulder impingement stems from kyphosis, addressing the upper back posture becomes crucial for lasting relief.
Our Specialized Approach
At Care PT of Rockland, we look beyond isolated shoulder treatment. Our expertise in spinal conditions allows us to identify how your upper back posture affects your shoulder function. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Thorough Spinal Assessment
We carefully evaluate your upper back posture and its impact on your shoulder mechanics, identifying the specific patterns that led to your impingement.
Targeted Treatment
Our specialized techniques focus on:
- Improving upper back alignment to create better shoulder positioning
- Restoring proper shoulder blade movement
- Addressing muscle imbalances that developed from poor posture
- Relieving impingement symptoms while correcting the underlying cause
Take Action Today
Don’t let shoulder impingement limit your activities or worsen your spinal condition. At Care PT of Rockland, we offer specialized care that addresses both your shoulder symptoms and the underlying spinal factors contributing to your pain.
Your Next Step
Contact us today at (516) 220-5125 for a comprehensive evaluation of your shoulder and spine. Let our specialists help you understand how your spinal alignment might be affecting your shoulder health and develop a treatment plan that addresses both issues simultaneously. Fill out the quick form on our Request an Appointment page and we will get back to you for scheduling.