What can cause shoulder and elbow pain at the same time?

Often, pushing yourself during a workout can lead to aching in your shoulder and elbow. Playing a high-impact sport can also leave these areas banged up and painful. Such issues will typically feel better after some rest. However, there are issues that cause shoulder and elbow pain that require professional help. 

A physical therapist can help you treat shoulder pain, elbow pain or a combination of the two. Part of the physical therapy process will be evaluating the painful areas to learn the cause of your pain. Additionally, therapy specialists have many techniques at their disposal to treat pain in both of these joints. 

Two common causes of shoulder and elbow pain

There are two issues that physical therapists see that commonly lead to elbow and shoulder discomfort. These issues are: 

1. Bicipital tendinitis — The biceps tendon is located at the front of your shoulder. When it’s overstretched or inflamed, it can cause aching in both the shoulder and elbow. This condition is common in people who overuse their biceps. It’s also commonly linked to a problem with the rotator cuff. 

2. Pinched nerve — There is a group of four nerves called the brachial plexus. These nerves run through the shoulder and down the arm. One of these nerves being pinched or irritated can easily lead to tingling, numbness and discomfort. These symptoms can occur in the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand. 

What can a physical therapist do to treat shoulder and elbow pain?

The most important step your physical therapist can take to help your pain is help you understand what’s causing it. Not far behind is their ability to build you an individualized therapy plan. 

To treat your pain, your physical therapist could use techniques like: 

• Soft tissue mobilization that can reduce tension in shoulder and arm muscles. 

• Joint mobilization to improve joint restriction. 

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that can break up areas of scar tissue in the shoulder and arm. 

• Blood flow restriction training designed to build up strength in shoulder and arm muscles. 

• Virtual therapy sessions where you work with your physical therapist over a secure video connection. 

• At-home care appointments where you work one-on-one with your physical therapist in your home. 

Find the care you need for shoulder and elbow pain at Armor PT

Our team at Armor Physical Therapy has experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including problems with the shoulders and elbows. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the root cause of your pain. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at creating personalized therapy plans designed to reduce pain and prevent it from returning. We can even get you started on your therapy without a doctor’s referral. 

Contact us today for more information about our shoulder and elbow therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.