Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? How Athletes and Active Pros Can Beat Rotator Cuff Injuries Without Surgery

By Dr. Adrian Lorenzo, PT, DPT ///

If you’re a young athlete who spends hours in the pool, on the court, or the field, or even a hardworking professional like a painter, construction worker, or anyone who frequently lifts overhead, you may be no stranger to shoulder pain. Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinitis are among the most common conditions we treat in our orthopedic and sports rehabilitation practice here in Edgewater, New Jersey.

These conditions can be frustrating and, if ignored, potentially career-limiting for athletes and debilitating for active individuals. But with early intervention, expert-guided physical therapy, and a tailored prevention plan, most people can recover fully without surgery.

What is Shoulder Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable you to lift and rotate your arm. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, often from repetitive overhead motion, it can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched or compressed between the bones of the shoulder, particularly when the arm is lifted overhead. This can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

These conditions often develop together and are frequently seen in:

• Swimmers, baseball pitchers, volleyball players, and tennis players

• Weightlifters and CrossFit enthusiasts

• Construction workers, painters, and anyone who regularly lifts or works with their arms above shoulder level

Common Causes

• Repetitive Overhead Movements: Continuous overhead motion, especially in sports or occupational tasks, can strain the rotator cuff.

• Poor Posture: Slouched shoulders and forward head posture can alter the mechanics of the shoulder, increasing impingement risk.

• Muscle Imbalance and Weakness: Weakness in the shoulder stabilizers and scapular muscles leads to dysfunctional shoulder mechanics.

• Age-Related Degeneration: Wear and tear over time can also predispose individuals to these issues.

Symptoms to Watch For

• A persistent, aching pain in the front or side of the shoulder

• Pain when lifting the arm, especially overhead

• Discomfort while sleeping on the affected shoulder

• Weakness or reduced range of motion in the shoulder

• A catching or clicking sensation when moving the arm

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Early evaluation by one of our trained physical therapists can prevent the condition from advancing to more serious issues like rotator cuff tears.

Expert Physical Therapy Treatment for Lasting Relief

At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Edgewater, NJ, we specialize in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, activity level, and goals.

Here’s how we approach treatment:

Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain, examining posture, shoulder mechanics, muscle imbalances, and joint mobility.

Targeted Therapeutic Exercises

• Strengthening: We focus on strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers to restore proper mechanics.

• Flexibility & Mobility: Stretching tight muscles like the pectorals and posterior shoulder structures to improve flexibility.

• Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques that retrain the body to move efficiently and avoid faulty movement patterns.

Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization help reduce pain, improve mobility, and facilitate tissue healing.

Modalities

Depending on your condition, we may incorporate:

• Cold Laser Therapy

• Ultrasound Therapy

• Electrical Stimulation

• Kinesiology Taping

These modalities can aid in reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and speeding up recovery.

Education and Ergonomic Guidance

We also guide our patients on posture correction, activity modification, and proper lifting techniques, essential for both athletes and workers in physically demanding jobs.

Preventive Measures

For athletes and active individuals, incorporating pre-season conditioning, cross-training, and regular mobility exercises can significantly lower the risk of shoulder injuries. For workers, using proper ergonomics and taking regular breaks can prevent repetitive strain.

Early Action Makes All the Difference

When caught early and treated effectively, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinitis can be fully resolved without the need for invasive procedures. Surgery is often avoidable with the right physical therapy and adherence to a tailored exercise plan.

Ready to Reclaim Your Shoulder Health?

If shoulder pain is interfering with your performance, work, or daily life, don’t wait. Our certified Scerbo physical therapists and sports rehabilitation specialists are here to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love—pain-free.

Visit us conveniently located across the Hudson River on 725 River Road, Suite 60, Edgewater, NJ 07020, at the Edgewater Commons Marketplace Plaza.

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Dr. Adrian Lorenzo, PT, DPT, has clinical experience in multiple outpatient orthopedic settings and completed a neurological rehab affiliation, gaining experience with brain and spinal cord injuries. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and focuses on Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation.

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our expert licensed physical therapists, please call us at (201) 941-2240 or use our convenient online appointment form.