Physical & Occupational Therapy for Shoulder Sprains & Strains

NYU Langone doctors may prescribe physical or occupational therapy to help you heal from a shoulder sprain or strain.

Physical and occupational therapists at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center can teach you exercises designed to build muscle strength and improve flexibility in the shoulder. This helps to decrease pain and prevent further injury.

Our specialists create an individualized treatment plan based on your injury, your daily routine, and any athletic goals you have. They also show you ways to perform your daily activities that won’t worsen the injury to shoulder ligaments, muscles, or tendons.

For instance, if you’ve developed a muscle strain from hunching over your computer, an occupational therapist can teach you how to sit properly, position your shoulders as you type, and perform exercises that keep your shoulders relaxed while you work. He or she can also teach you how to modify your workspace to reduce stress on the injured shoulder, lowering the risk of another injury.

Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles in and around your shoulder. These moves can reduce stress on parts of the shoulder joint, such as the rotator cuff, and help prevent further injury. You can do many of these exercises at home. Adding them to your daily routine can make arm movements easier and alleviate pain.

A physical therapist may also recommend techniques to enhance soft tissue function and boost your sense of wellbeing. They may include integrative health therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and heat and ice therapies.

Your doctor determines how many weeks of physical or occupational therapy you need. Recovery time varies, depending on a person’s age, health, and the location and severity of the injury.