Shoulder Pain and Injury
Shoulder dysfunction often begins as a minor impingement before evolving into a significant loss of range of motion. At Tennessee Sports Medicine Group, we provide objective clinical assessments to distinguish between simple inflammation and structural tears.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, which inherently makes it the least stable. When the rotator cuff muscles fail to center the humerus in its socket, secondary structures like the labrum or bursa take on excessive stress. Our goal in Knoxville is to restore this balance through targeted strengthening and advanced joint mobilization.
Rotator Cuff Tears and Repair Knoxville
A partial rotator cuff tear does not always necessitate surgical intervention.
Evidence suggests that physical therapy focusing on scapular stabilization and rotator cuff hypertrophy can provide the same long-term pain relief as surgery for non-full-thickness tears. By improving the “tracking” of the shoulder blade, we reduce the pressure on the damaged tendons, allowing them to heal in a functional environment.
Many patients in Knoxville delay treatment for shoulder pain, assuming it is a natural part of aging. We see local golfers and tennis players who have “played through” the pain until they can no longer lift their arm above their head. Honest recovery requires addressing these mechanical issues before a partial tear becomes a full-thickness rupture.
Your first step at Tennessee Sports Medicine Group is a diagnostic screening. We use clinical testing to determine the integrity of your tendons and create a loading program that builds strength without causing further irritation.
Shoulder Dislocation and Instability Knoxville
Chronic instability following a dislocation is a mechanical failure that requires neuromuscular retraining.
Once a shoulder has dislocated, the ligaments are often stretched or torn, leaving the joint “loose.” Clinical data shows that without specific stabilization exercises, the risk of a second dislocation increases by over 50% in active populations. We focus on the “dynamic stabilizers”—the muscles that must fire rapidly to hold the joint together during movement.
Whether you were injured on a local mountain bike trail or during a fall at home, a shoulder that feels “unstable” is a liability. Residents of Knoxville rely on our therapists to provide the rigorous strength testing needed to ensure the joint can handle the demands of an active lifestyle.
We utilize biofeedback and proprioceptive training to help you regain confidence in your shoulder. Our therapists guide you through a graduated return-to-activity protocol that ensures your joint is protected during high-stress movements.
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) Knoxville
Frozen shoulder is a biological inflammatory process that cannot be “forced” open through aggressive stretching.
The thickening of the joint capsule in adhesive capsulitis requires a patient, evidence-based approach. Research indicates that aggressive manipulation often worsens the inflammatory phase. Instead, we use gentle joint oscillations and modalities like MultiRadiance Laser to manage pain while maintaining whatever range of motion is currently available.
We understand the frustration Knoxville patients feel when a shoulder slowly “locks up” over several months. This condition significantly impacts sleep and daily tasks like getting dressed. At Tennessee Sports Medicine Group, we provide an honest timeline for recovery, which typically involves a freezing, frozen, and thawing phase.
Early intervention is the key to shortening the duration of the “frozen” phase. We provide you with a home program that maintains joint health without triggering the protective muscle guarding that often follows painful stretching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an MRI before starting physical therapy for shoulder pain in Knoxville? No. Our clinicians can perform a comprehensive mechanical exam to identify the likely source of your pain. In many cases, we can begin an effective treatment plan immediately, only referring out for imaging if you fail to progress as expected.
How long does it take to recover from a rotator cuff injury? Recovery times vary based on the severity of the tear. Minor impingements may resolve in 4-6 weeks, while significant tears may require 3-4 months of consistent strengthening to restore full athletic function.
Can physical therapy help me avoid shoulder surgery? Yes. For many patients with degenerative tears or impingement syndrome, physical therapy at Tennessee Sports Medicine Group is the gold standard for avoiding the operating room and the long recovery associated with surgery.
