Typing up important work documents. Driving to the grocery store. Playing catch with your grandchildren. What do all these activities have in common? They can all be much harder to do when you have shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain is a common issue in the U.S. In fact, medical researchers report that 50% of Americans who are 55 or older have chronic shoulder pain. Fortunately, physical therapists can help you develop an effective shoulder pain treatment plan. One reason that these plans are so effective is the preliminary tests that physical therapists often perform before developing your therapy plan.
These tests are vital to developing an effective shoulder pain treatment plan
Shoulder pain treatment could be something you need for a variety of different reasons. Your physical therapist will completely understand this fact. It’s why they’ll use several testing procedures to determine what your shoulder issues are.
A few of the tests that your physical therapist may use on your shoulder include:
- Goniometer test — One of the pieces of testing equipment that your physical therapist can use to determine which shoulder issue you have is a goniometer. This testing device is designed to measure the range of motion and strength of your shoulder.
- Yergason’s test — Another preliminary shoulder test that therapy specialists use is the Yergason’s test. This test allows them to check for inflammation around the place where the biceps muscle attaches to your scapula. Inflammation in this area may mean you have bicipital tendinitis.
- Jobe’s test — A third test that our team of physical therapists may use in your preliminary screening is the Jobe’s test. This is also commonly called the empty can test. With this test, your physical therapist can check for injuries in your supraspinatus muscles and tendons that may be causing your shoulder pain.
Each of these preliminary tests is designed to test for a different shoulder issue. Once your physical therapist knows which issue you have, they can then build you a customized shoulder therapy plan for your pain.
Border Therapy Services can help you find an effective shoulder pain treatment plan
Looking for the most effective shoulder pain treatment? Our physical therapists at Border Therapy Services are ready and willing to help you get the treatment you need. We offer free screenings designed to reveal the root cause of your shoulder pain. These screenings can include the three shoulder tests discussed above. Using your test results, our physical therapists can build you an individualized therapy plan intended to reduce your pain.
Not able to come see us in person? No worries! Our team offers therapy services that you can use from home, including virtual care and at-home therapy appointments. You can even start your physical therapy with us without first getting a doctor’s referral.
Contact us today for more information about our helpful therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.