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Join Airrosti’s Brittany Bankson, DC, as she goes over the common causes of shoulder pain. She’ll dig into the signs and symptoms associated with different shoulder injuries. She also describes how Airrosti addresses shoulder pain using targeted manual therapy and active rehab exercises.
The shoulder works with surrounding muscles and tendons to allow for a broad range of motion in the arm. Because of the shoulder’s design, our arms can rotate, push, pull, and lift objects overhead with relative ease. Because we rely on the shoulder for daily movements, wear and tear in the shoulder can often lead to painful shoulder injuries. The most common injury that people are concerned about are tears in the rotator cuff.
Typical causes of shoulder pain are overuse and trauma. These occur frequently during activities like weightlifting, football, or gymnastics. Common conditions include bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis/tears, and shoulder impingement.
Most causes of shoulder pain fall into these two categories:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of shoulder injury. Shoulder injuries will restrict your mobility and likely cause pain when lifting weights or applying pressure. Typically, an injury to the shoulder will be painful and easily aggravated by movement.
Depending on your condition, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
Proper treatment for shoulder problems depends on the precise cause of pain. Your doctor may order tests such as X-Rays and MRIs to diagnose potential causes of pain and help determine the best treatment for your injury. Most times, your doctor may recommend a combination of rest, ice or heat, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or injections for help relieving pain.
While many shoulder conditions can resolve themselves in time with conservative care, some cases can persist for months or even years and restrict your mobility.
Airrosti providers aim to diagnose and treat pain at the source with hands-on manual therapy, combined with targeted active rehab exercises to restore shoulder strength and function. We also give you the tools and resources to address pain as it appears, leaving you to focus on doing the things you love most.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait. We offer both in-office and telehealth appointments to best suit your needs. Call us at (844) 719-5074 and schedule your appointment today.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
Headline: Airrosti and Dr. Bradley resolved a 12-year-old shoulder injury to help a sailor keep sailing. Dr. Bradley and her team are experts at what they do: listen deeply, diagnose well, and provide a treatment plan both inside and outside the office to help solve and prevent re-injury. When I was inconsistent in doing my exercises at home and on the water, I received helpful insights - a bit more “why” and loving support - to help me own my part of the treatment plan to heal faster. I’m so grateful to Airrosti, Dr. Blaire Bradley, Stephen, Katie, and Ryan for their commitment to excellence. I highly recommend the Airrosti approach to wellness and the Federal Way team!!! Cheers, Captain David Gallimore
by David Gallimore
Went in with an injury that I had for almost a year, it progressively just got worse to the point where I really couldn't even point to something with my arm. Treatment was painful, but it hurt so good. After the initial visit, my range of motion was better. The staff was incredible and everyone was focused on healing patients instead of just temporarily "slapping a band-aid" on. I would recommend Airrosti to anyone.
by Paul Salinas
Dr. Parsons & Kirsti are both very good at what they do. I appreciate how they helped me with my shoulder pain. They created a treatment plan for my specific pain and evaluate it every visit until you reach your goal. Thank you!
by Rachel Pound
All through my 50's I was in so much pain hips, shoulders, back, legs, and feet. In late February my shoulder surgeon said I did not need surgery but would benefit from Airrosti Therapy. She warned me it would be painful during the treatment once iced it will make such a big difference. She was correct. I began going in early March and yes it was painful but once I put Ice on it the pain was gone, the next day a little sore but I did not have that constant pain I had for years. Because I no longer have the pain, I am feeling so much better at age 65 than I did all through my 50’s. Without all the constant pain my energy level is back, and the future looks brighter. I spent this past weekend working in my yard and flowerbeds. Stooping, ...+ show moreBending, lifting, and carrying items and things I had not been able to do for 10 years. You do not need a doctor’s referral to go to Airrosti. Each visit I see the doctor who is an Airrosti Certified Provider for 20-30 minutes then he took me to his assistant an Airrosti Certified Recovery Specialist for teaching me exercises that will help keep what the doctor did in check. It is important to follow through with the exercises which are not time-consuming and you do not need fancy equipment. Who would have known how pain can make your life so miserable? With Airrosti I am taking 80% fewer pain killers and muscle relaxers. I have been recommending it to everyone. Some people said they were afraid of the initial pain, but it is absolutely worth it to no longer have constant pain.
by Elaine Lowthorp
Four weeks ago I sustained an injury to my Teres Major mostly likely due to overuse & not properly stretching adequately enough. Immediately post-injury, I was unable to perform any lifting, swimming, or pulling of any kind without extreme pain. Thankfully I was fortunate enough to team up with Airrosti & one of their awesome PTs Anthony Pavlich for my rehab! Anthony was instrumental in immediately getting me started on my road to recovery by listening to how I had injured my lat & what the symptoms were. He put a plan in place that we progressed through over a 4 week period. Each week adding additional elements & stretching to strengthen my lat. I am now able to swim for a longer duration without discomfort, deadlift via trap bar 315lbs...+ show more for reps without pain, & row at my normal pace again. Now I will begin slowly adding in pull-ups as I build that strength back! Amazing how your body can react & heal with the proper protocols. Thanks, Anthony & Airrosti for your above & beyond help throughout this process! Highly recommend this company for your road to recovery!
by James Bell
It was last year when I injured my shoulder and was referred to Airrosti by a co-worker. I have had many serious injuries due to sports over my lifetime, but none that hurt this much, and from simply lifting what I thought was a lite object. I made an appointment with Dr. Jackson, really thinking I know I will have to have rotator cuff surgery. Well, I was amazed, and I am still amazed by the work she did. I couldn't even sleep laying down after I injured my shoulder for 4 days. I think I did about 3 weeks of treatment (2) times a week, and what I learned in those weeks, no one had ever taught me in all of my years in sports. I did not have to have surgery and the Monday after my last treatment I played the best (18) holes of golf that I...+ show more have played in years! You won't believe it until you try it! Thank you Dr. Jackson, you and your staff were excellent!!!!
by Dennis Veal
I had fallen on my shoulder during a couple of snowboard trips. I had a hard time sleeping and the pain was constant. After the first visit with Dr. Garza, I noticed a huge difference! I was able to sleep better. The exercises were targeted for my recovery and after only 5 visits I feel like I am actually recovering without medications. Dr. Garza listens and makes sure my recovery was completed. I would strongly recommend healing and recovery.
by Anjelica Garza
I came in to see the AIRROSTI staff about a shoulder injury from working out. When they told me they plan to release me after 3-4 visits, I was skeptical because I was in some serious pain. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised that I am back to full function in my shoulder after 4 visits! The thing that really blew me away was how much I learned about how to use a series of simple stretches, rolling, and exercise that could keep not just my shoulder feeling good, but my entire body. Thanks, Kirsti and Dr. Parsons!
by Hayden Riley
Dr. Garza helped me with my lingering shoulder pain that was impacting my ability to train properly and pain-free after my most recent bodybuilding competition. Thanks to him, the pain is gone, and I have a regular warm-up/mobility routine that we have established to avoid this issue again and allow me to continually train the way I love. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Garza to any friends and family members, and I will definitely see him again if any other issues arise down the road.
by Michael Acosta
Witchcraft! is all I can say. Dr. Garza pressed down on a couple of points near my collarbone, and years of neck and shoulder pain just disappeared immediately! In just a few visits, he was able to address all the spots on my body that were causing me discomfort throughout the day and disrupting my sleep. The visits were also covered by insurance, with just a small copay. Dr. Garza is very nice and professional, and explains everything simply, but clearly. I can honestly say my life is better for having gone to see him!
by J Alfaro
I have been suffering from limited mobility and pain in my shoulder for a couple of months now. From the very first visit, Dr. Parsons was able to increase my range of motion and decrease my pain. His assistant (Kirsty) has been amazing, too. I really appreciate how understanding they were and fun to chat with. It helped distract me from the pressure points getting worked on during my therapy. These two have been magicians with my shoulder!
by Meg Anderson
After months of struggling with intense pain and lack of mobility in my right shoulder, neck, and collarbone areas, I'm so glad that I decided on Airrosti for treatment. From my very first visit, Dr. Garza did an incredible job of explaining the science behind my pain, as well as the treatment plan. After the first visit, I felt a drastic decrease in pain. After only 5 visits, my pain is almost totally gone and my range of motion is back. Working with Dr. Garza and Michelle (for physical therapy) was truly a pleasant experience. They are both kinds, professional, and show genuine concern for the well-being of their patients. I would highly recommend Airrosti to anyone dealing with pain. In fact, I've already recommended my mom! Thanks, A...+ show moreirrosti team!
by Kimberly Vandiver
Dr. Moore was very personable and knowledgeable. She did a great job explaining my injury and worked through multiple areas to give a better overall recovery. After 4 months of shoulder pain, I finally feel like I can move again. I highly recommend Airrositi and Dr. Moore.
by Kendall Kolstad
Tim did a great job fixing the issue with tightness and soreness in my shoulders. After just 3 sessions my issue was resolved and I had a plan of stretches and exercises to keep the issue away. I would highly recommend Tim to help out with any issue you may have.
by Craig Connor
As an active twenty-something, I've grown accustomed to some minor tweaks, aches, and pains. However, when I tweaked my shoulder while rock climbing, it didn't just get better on its own. Typically I'll just rest a week or two and be back to normal! This time, my shoulder was still hurting after 3 weeks... after 5 weeks... after 7 weeks and I started to get really scared. I must have hurt myself worse than I initially thought - would I ever heal?? Then steps in Dr. Erik Moll (figuratively, as we had a telehealth appointment), and he was able to quickly determine that I did not have a serious injury, and with some informed movements, stretching, and myofascial release, this issue could be resolved. He eased my worries and helped me get ba...+ show moreck to my normal activities pain-free. He is kind, empathetic, punctual, friendly, intelligent, and focused - all the qualities you would want in a care provider. I'm so glad someone recommended Airrosti to me - it was a great choice.
by Kendra Lane
Dr. Parsons relieved shoulder pain that prescription meds couldn’t touch. After just 4 visits he has pretty much stopped all the pain I was experiencing. I was unable to sleep, taking muscle relaxers and steroids just to get a couple of hours of sleep. I couldn’t reach to change the radio station in my truck before I came in. He listened and really pinpointed the troublesome areas and explained everything along the way. Kirsti was wonderful as well providing physical therapy and explaining why certain exercises were important. Both of them are very personable and are invested in the patient finding relief for chronic and acute pain. They saved me from a road of paying for MRIs, specialists, and who knows what else!
by Adrienne Person
I threw my should out pitching to 8 yr olds for little league. That’s how I became injured and lost mobility in my right should. It would hurt constantly and be talking Advils like skittles. I could barely move it when I decided time to make an appointment. I had heard about Airrosti but never been before. Made an appt, was on the calendar the next day, and am so glad I did as Dr. Moore fixed me up in literally one session. I was expecting 3-4 sessions and a lot of exercises to fix my shoulder. But she quickly identified the problem areas and knew exactly how to treat them and hours later the pain was all gone. I was then able to put up holidays lights and decorations the entire rest of the day!! Dr. Moore rocks!
by Luis Garcia
Typically, I enjoy being active - going for runs, and attending F45 classes each day. However, I ran into an issue with my shoulder a few weeks ago. The pain was excruciating! It felt like it was emanating from deep within my shoulder, and it couldn't be reached with a standard massage or medication! I couldn't sleep, and even had trouble reaching backward to put my seat belt on. The pain was constant, and it left me feeling very frustrated, especially when 4 weeks had gone by, and no relief had been found. Until I visited Dr. Moore, specializing in Airrosti! I had heard other success stories and had to try for myself. I am so, so glad that I did. During the first visit, Dr. Moore targeted a series of different pressure points that I did...+ show moren't realize impacted the area that was hurting so bad. I felt a good bit of relief right then! She showed me some therapy/exercise movements to do at home until the next appointment. By the time I had my second visit with her, my pain had diminished by about 80%, and I'd been able to resume almost all of my normal activities! At this point, a third visit isn't even necessary! I highly recommend giving Airrosti a try!
by Christine Ramos
I had been dealing with bilateral shoulder pain for about 2 years that kept me from doing the things I love, snatching & overhead squatting. After meeting with Airrosti at the CrossFit Games this year, a televisit was scheduled and my treatment began. I met with Dr. Thomas Danisiewicz and he diagnosed and prescribed my rehab protocol. This treatment plan began in August. Fast forward to November and I am back to sleeping, performing daily tasks/functions, snatching, and overhead squatting again (around about 90% of what I was lifting 2 years ago) all pain free. I cannot thank this team enough for their knowledge, understanding, and care that they provided to get me back to doing the things that I love, in such a short time, without under...+ show moregoing the knife. Thank you Dr. Thomas, and thank you Airrosti!!
by Colton Henson
I have been to Airrosti for multiple injuries, but most recently I went in for my shoulder after a traumatic car accident. The program wasn't easy, but I had immediate results, and it was great to use the app to map trends in pain, hold myself accountable, etc. Dr. McGowan is a total pro, and was a great cheerleader throughout my recovery.
by Rusty Pierce