Find Relief for Radiculopathy Pains Today
If you are noticing shoulder pain, there’s a chance you could be experiencing radiculopathy.
At Partners in Physical Therapy, we see numerous patients who arrive at their initial consultation thinking that if their shoulder is bothering them, the source of their pain also lies within their shoulder. However, all too often we see that the true problem lies in their neck, and can be the result of a pinched nerve in the upper spine.
This condition is referred to as “cervical radiculopathy,” and its symptoms can be similar to those experienced by someone with a torn shoulder/rotator cuff injury.
As stated by Medical News Today, “Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve in the spine, can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, weakness, and numbness.” Symptoms may also include the feeling of “pins and needles” in the neck and down the arms.
If this sounds like you, Partners in Physical Therapy can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Lake Charles physical therapists and learn more about how our services can help you heal.
How can physical therapy help with radiculopathy?
The first step in treating radiculopathy is discovering where exactly the issue is stemming from. It is very helpful for our Lake Charles physical therapists to have a clear understanding of what is causing a patient’s problems.
As PTs, we can perform a physical exam that helps cue us into what is causing the discomfort. We have tests and measures that have been studied and have statistically supported sensitivity and specificity; however, sometimes other diagnostic tests are indicated. These may include an MRI scan, CT scan, or an EMG/NCV test, to help give a clearer picture of the situation.
Once your physical therapist has a better understanding of your condition, he or she will design a treatment plan for your specific needs. Your treatment plan will include pain relief modalities, as well as exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion and strengthen the injured area(s). He or she will also inform you of things you should avoid doing to keep from reinjuring yourself and experiencing shoulder pain again down the road.
With cervical radiculopathy, you may find that your shoulder joint feels extremely weak and useless as you attempt to lift something. In some cases, these symptoms extend from your shoulder down through your arm and hand, so it might even be difficult for you to grasp items as you normally would.
Fortunately, physical therapy can help in reversing these symptoms and healing the overall issue, so you can get back to living life comfortably.
Get started on a treatment plan today
If you are living with radiculopathy pains, or you think you might be, we can help.
Contact our Lake Charles physical therapy office today to schedule a consultation and get started on the first steps of your treatment plan. At Partners in Physical Therapy, our goal is to help you heal ASAP, so you can get back to your normal life!
