Greiner Physical Therapy
Shoulder Pain in Southampton, NY
Find Relief from Shoulder Pain in Southampton, NY
If your shoulder has been letting you down lately, you’re not alone. Shoulder pain affects an estimated 20% of the population at any given time. Whether caused by injury, poor posture, overuse, or simply getting older, shoulder problems can seriously disrupt your active lifestyle.
The good news is that with the right treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals, you can get back to full function. The physical therapists at Greiner Physical Therapy have more than a decade of experience addressing all causes of shoulder pain, using proven methods to get you feeling like yourself again.
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Southampton, NY
Shoulder pain refers to any discomfort in the shoulder joint or surrounding tissue, characterized by:
Sharp pangs when reaching or moving your arm
- Dull aches that nag you all-day
- Difficulty lifting objects such as groceries
- Sleep disruptions from shoulder discomfort
- Loss of flexibility and full range of motion
The complexity of the shoulder joint means it is vulnerable to dysfunction. Conditions commonly underlying shoulder pain include:
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Tendonitis, tears, or impingement cause pain in the muscles stabilizing your shoulder.
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis in the joint leads to inflammation and breakdown of cartilage.
- Strains and Sprains: Overstretching or tearing ligaments or muscles from sudden wrenching motions or overuse.
Shoulder pain affects your daily life and prevents participation in activities you love. Letting it go unchecked can lead to chronic loss of function over time. The sooner it is addressed through physical therapy, the better your chances of making a full recovery.
Maria Magner
Greiner Physical Therapy is a superior facility for regaining the use and strength of your joints after surgery. I had a personal experience working with expert therapists there after undergoing two knee replacements. The one-on-one attention I received was second to none. My results were very positive. I highly recommend Greiner PT. They are the BEST!!
Zoe DiMele
This is by far the very best PT experience I’ve ever had. Seth and Anthony are very tuned into my needs and level of strength. They are both very kind and caring. Ashley at the front desk will do everything she can to help with my scheduling issues and get s warm and friendly. The space itself is welcoming, and they play great music!
A Plan to Bounce Back From Shoulder Troubles
The physical therapists at Greiner Physical Therapy are shoulder pain experts, with advanced certifications in physical and sports medicine rehabilitation. Shoulder treatment is among our specialties, using a mix of hands-on techniques and customized exercise regimens tailored to each patient based on:
- Your unique injury or condition causing pain
- Posture analysis determining strains affecting your shoulder
- Activity goals—whether returning to tennis, golf, weight lifting or just fewer aches when gardening
With a thorough assessment of your situation and lifestyle, our therapists create a shoulder-centered treatment plan that fits you. We focus on both short-term pain relief and long-term restoration of strength and function so you can get back to the activities you love pain-free.
Methods We Use to Alleviate Shoulder Pain
Our comprehensive shoulder pain relief programs utilize proven techniques to reduce discomfort while correcting any muscle imbalances or instability underlying the issue:
1. Pain Management and Inflammation Reduction
- Manual therapy including joint mobilization and soft tissue massage
- Cold laser therapy to accelerate healing
- Heat/ice application
2. Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
- Assisted shoulder stretching to targeted tight areas
- Passive range of motion exercises to restore mobility
- Dry needling to release muscle knots and spasms
3. Strengthening and Muscle Imbalance Correction
- Elastic resistance training to stabilize the shoulder
- Scapula and rotator cuff targeted exercises
- Proprioceptive exercises to ‘retrain’ shoulder neuromuscular control
4. Posture Correction and Patient Education
- Ergonomic and activity modifications to reduce strain
- Postural correction and body mechanics training
- Home exercise program for self-management
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my shoulder pain is serious?
Shoulder pain is more serious if it came on after a fall or accident, if you suddenly cannot lift your arm, if there is visible deformity, heavy bruising, or swelling, or if you feel numbness or tingling down the arm. Pain that wakes you up at night or does not improve at all after several days is also a concern. In those cases, you should get evaluated by a medical professional quickly.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
Pain when lifting your arm is often related to irritation in the rotator cuff tendons, inflammation in the shoulder bursa, impingement (when tissues get pinched under the shoulder blade), or stiffness in the joint. Weakness in the rotator cuff or shoulder blade muscles can also cause poor mechanics, making overhead movement painful. A physical therapist can assess which structures are involved and teach you safer ways to move and strengthen the area.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night or when I sleep on it?
Night shoulder pain is common with rotator cuff irritation, bursitis, or stiffness in the joint. Lying on the painful side compresses irritated tissues, and even lying on the other side can pull on the sore shoulder. Poor sleep positions or too little support from your pillow can make it worse. PT can help you adjust your sleep setup, calm inflammation, and restore mobility so you can rest more comfortably.
What can cause shoulder pain without a specific injury?
You do not need a dramatic injury to develop shoulder pain. Repeated reaching, lifting, or overhead work, poor posture, muscle imbalances, age-related wear and tear, or weakness around the shoulder blade can all create gradual irritation. Conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, or impingement often build up over time. A physical therapist can identify these contributing factors and address them with targeted treatment.
Should I keep using my arm if my shoulder hurts, or should I rest it?
Total rest for long periods can lead to more stiffness and weakness, but pushing through sharp or worsening pain can increase irritation. The best approach is usually modified activity—staying gently active in pain-free or low-pain ranges while avoiding aggravating motions. PT helps you find the right balance of rest and movement so the shoulder can heal while you stay as active as possible.
How can physical therapy help my shoulder pain?
Physical therapy addresses the root causes of shoulder pain, not just the symptoms. Your therapist will look at posture, shoulder and neck mobility, rotator cuff and shoulder blade strength, and how you use your arm during daily tasks or sports. Treatment may include hands-on techniques, stretching, strengthening, posture training, and movement retraining so you can lift, reach, and sleep more comfortably again.
How long does shoulder pain take to get better with physical therapy?
Mild strains may improve in a few weeks. More stubborn problems like rotator cuff irritation, impingement, or long-standing stiffness often take several weeks to a few months to fully settle down. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–8 weeks when they attend PT regularly and do their home exercises consistently.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI before starting physical therapy for shoulder pain?
Not always. Many cases of shoulder pain can be safely treated with physical therapy first, without imaging. A detailed evaluation of your movement, strength, and symptoms often reveals what is driving the pain. If your therapist notices red flags or suspects a more serious issue, they will refer you to a physician for further tests like an X-ray or MRI.
Meet Your Shoulder Pain Relief Team
Dr. Anthony Fuentes has years of experience treating shoulder injuries, Dr. Anthony Fuentes works closely with every patient to ensure complete recovery meeting their unique needs and goals. We also utilize a full range of credentialed physical therapists to deliver 1-on-1 care tailored to each patient’s needs in overcoming nagging shoulder problems.
Start Your Shoulder Pain Relief Today in Southampton
If shoulder pain is limiting your functionality and quality of life, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention leads to the best long-term recovery results. Call us or book an appointment online to have your shoulder thoroughly evaluated by our specialist team. We will customize a treatment plan centered on your unique needs to minimize shoulder pain and restore comfort and strength, so you can get back to the activities important to you.
About The Author
Seth Greiner ignites movement in patients facing Parkinson’s disease, Neurological Rehab & Physical Therapy. Their years of dedication unlocks physical potential for a better quality of life. At Greiner Physical Therapy in Southampton, NY, Seth Greiner wields a patient-centered approach, wielding cutting-edge techniques and bespoke care plans to conquer a vast array of physical challenges.