Best Orlando Treatment for a
SHOULDER BLADE PAIN
Are you not able to continue your cherished hobbies or everyday activities because of sharp pain in your neck when you move? With our expert doctors’ help, you can get to the root of your symptoms and get back to doing what you love quicker and easier.
Read More Ask A QuestionWhat is shoulder blade pain? Can it be treated? How is it diagnosed? How can it be treated? How can it be prevented? What are next steps?
What is shoulder blade pain?
Shoulder blade pain is a condition that involves the popping, grating, grinding, or “snapping” of bones and tissue in the scapula (shoulder blade) area when lifting and moving the arm. The snapping symptoms may be painful, and are sometimes audible. Snapping scapula syndrome is most commonly diagnosed in young, active individuals who perform repetitive overhead movements, such as stocking shelves at the local store, or engaging in sports like weight-lifting, swimming, or baseball. Other causes can include scapula or rib-cage bone conditions, such as fractures, muscle weakness or atrophy, or tumors. Snapping scapula syndrome is usually the result of overuse of the arm, poor posture during sport activities, or incorrect joint motion, but can also be caused by a single episode of trauma to the scapula area. A physical therapist treats the pain, muscle weakness, loss of arm motion, and swelling of soft tissue that can occur with snapping scapula syndrome.What are common causes of shoulder blade pain?
Shoulder blade pain is a condition that involves the popping, grating, grinding, or “snapping” of bones and tissue in the scapula area when lifting and moving the arm. It may be caused by a number of bone or soft tissue problems.- Bones can be malformed from birth, or fractured, causing them to be misshapen. When the scapula moves, it may bump against a misshapen bone as it glides over it, causing a grinding or grating feeling, or sound.
- Soft tissues include muscles and bursae. The muscles between the scapula and the rib cage (subscapularis and serratus anterior) can become tight, shrunken, scarred, inflamed, or weak. As a result, the scapula will become positioned too close to the rib cage, and may rub painfully on the ribs during arm movement.
- Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions and normally reduce friction between the scapula and the rib cage, or between the scapula and the muscles. The scapula may rub and irritate a bursa cushion. Popping or snapping can occur from a bursa becoming inflamed, from being rolled over during scapula motion, or from inadequate reduction of friction by a bursa.
- Repetitive activities, such as reaching overhead or throwing a ball
- Incorrect sports training techniques, such as overtraining, or training without enough prior strengthening
- Incorrect posture
- Weakness in the shoulder area
- Muscle tightness in the chest, neck, shoulder, or scapula area
- Neck conditions
- Shoulder joint problems
- Tumors
- Unhealed fractures of the ribs or scapula
- Inflammation of the muscles or bursae
- Nerve damage in the shoulder area
Where does it hurt?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.What are common symptoms of shoulder blade pain?
A person with snapping scapula syndrome may experience:- Pain in the back or top of the shoulder when lifting the arm overhead or shrugging the shoulders
- A snapping, grinding, grating, or popping sensation or sound in the scapula area when lifting the arm
- A feeling of weakness in the arm
- “Winging” of the scapula, which makes it appear as if 1 edge is poking out away from the body
- Difficulty performing overhead arm motions due to pain or weakness in the scapula area
- A visible difference in how the painful scapula moves
Can shoulder blade pain be treated?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.“I came to Pursuit Therapy with neck and shoulder pain tightness […] immediately experienced results after my first session. I am not only pain free and have full range of motion, I also have the knowledge to prevent this from happening again. I wouldn’t think twice about recommending Pursuit Therapy!”
What happens if it goes untreated?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.What outcome can you expect from treatment?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.How is it diagnosed?
If you see your physical therapist first, your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health history. Your therapist will also ask you detailed questions about your injury, such as:- How and when did you first notice the pain?
- Do you hear or feel any popping, grinding or snapping when moving your arm? What activities are you performing when you hear or feel these symptoms?
- Do you have any pain or stiffness in your neck?
- Does your shoulder area feel weak or “tired”?
How can a Physical Therapist treat it?
How long does recovery take? How much does it cost? How long are sessions? What treatment can I do at home?
Your physical therapist will work with you to design a specific treatment program that will speed your recovery, including exercises and treatments you can do at home. Physical therapy will help you return to your normal lifestyle and activities.
The First 24-48 Hours
Your physical therapist may advise you to:
- Rest the area by avoiding lifting your arm overhead or performing other movements that cause pain.
- Apply ice packs around the scapula area for 15–20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Make sure you keep your spine in an upright posture when sitting or standing.
- Consult with a physician for further services, such as medication or diagnostic tests.
“After at least three years of doctor-hopping […] looking for someone to alleviate my constant dizziness and neck pain, I finally found Dr. Miller. I have more energy and less pain, and have halved my dependence on painkillers. He shouldn’t be the last stop on your road to recovery, he should be the first.”
How long does it take for a recovery?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.How much does it cost?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.How long are sessions?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.Is there anything that I can do at home to help with shoulder blade pain?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.DOWNLOAD OUR FREE shoulder blade PAIN GUIDE | Email: _______________
How can it be prevented?
To help prevent a recurrence of the injury, your physical therapist may advise you to:- Maintain good, upright posture and avoid slouching.
- Maintain the strength in your scapula and shoulder joint muscles.
- Use proper athletic techniques when performing sports that require overhead arm movements.
What are next steps?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer viverra iaculis odio, in aliquam dui porta sed. Nullam vel gravida odio. Integer non laoreet mi. Sed ultrices vitae ex id consequat. Donec sed blandit ligula. Nulla facilisi.BECOMING PAINFREE IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Step 1:
Call our expert team.
Step 2:
We’ll work with you to find and treat the root of your pain.
Step 3:
Get back to doing what you love.
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(407) 494-8835