Shoulder Pain Relief
Rediscover Life Without Shoulder Pain
Renowned as a marvel of human anatomy, the shoulder joint offers unparalleled mobility and flexibility, enabling us to perform a myriad of tasks, from reaching out for a book on the top shelf to throwing the perfect spiral with a football. Yet, this exceptional range of motion comes at a price. Over time, instability or impingement of the soft tissues or bony structures in your shoulder may cause discomfort and pain. This pain might be transient or persisting, may manifest only when you move, or may be a constant presence, prompting the need for professional intervention.
We're pleased to share that minor shoulder pain frequently shows a promising response to strategies such as physical therapy, the use of shoulder supports, upholding a healthy lifestyle, all of which can bring about substantial relief. Here at PhysioFit, we comprehend that each person's journey to a pain-free life is distinct. We're dedicated to delivering personalized, science-backed treatments with a fitness-centric approach to effectively ease your shoulder discomfort, helping you return to your everyday activities.
What You Should Know
The human body's most versatile joint, the shoulder, owes its expansive motion range to a quartet of muscles and their corresponding tendons, collectively known as the rotator cuff.
Intriguingly, shoulder pain may sometimes be a symptom of an issue originating from another part of the body, such as the neck or lungs. This phenomenon, known as referred pain, typically presents as a persistent ache that doesn't worsen with shoulder movement.
Shoulder discomfort or pain can result from inflammation, injury, or bone alterations surrounding the rotator cuff.
A proper diagnosis of a shoulder problem involves a thorough evaluation from a professional
Understanding the Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a complex joint, and it's susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
Dislocation: This happens when the top of your arm is pulled back excessively or rotated too far, causing it to pop out of its socket. Symptoms include pain, weakness, swelling, numbness, and bruising in the shoulder.
Separation: This injury affects the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet. A hard blow or fall can tear the ligaments, leading to a visible bump on top of your shoulder due to a displaced collarbone.
Fracture: A fall or severe blow can result in a broken or cracked bone. The clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone) are most prone to fractures, leading to intense pain, bruising, and restricted movement.
Cartilage Tear: Repeated motion, a fall, or a significant force can damage the cartilage that cushions your shoulder joint. Symptoms include pain during overhead reach, shoulder weakness, and a sensation of catching, locking, or grinding.
Rotator Cuff Tear: The group of muscles and tendons comprising your rotator cuff secure your arm in place and enable overhead lifting. Overuse, falls, or natural aging can cause damage, leading to pain (particularly at night), reduced lifting ability, and a crackling sound during movement.
Frozen Shoulder: Characterized by restricted joint movement, this condition is caused by the build-up of abnormal tissue bands (adhesions) within the joint, often following pain or surgery-induced disuse.
Impingement: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched between the shoulder bones, causing pain and swelling, particularly in individuals who frequently lift their arms overhead.
Bursitis: Overuse, repetitive motions, or an injury can inflame the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint), leading to pain, especially during shoulder movement.
Apart from these, other potential causes of shoulder pain include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Heart attack, Bone Spurs, Referred pain, and Tendinitis.
Remember, if you resonate with any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned, we highly recommend making an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Preventive Measures for Shoulder Pain
The bright side of shoulder issues is that they can often be resolved without resorting to surgery. However, prevention is always better than cure, and here are some ways you can safeguard your shoulders.
Heed Your Body's Signals: Do not dismiss shoulder discomfort that follows any activity. If the pain is intense and persistent, consult your doctor. Remember, enduring unnecessary pain might only exacerbate the situation.
Maintain Overall Health: Stay in prime physical condition with regular exercise and a balanced diet. It's not just a ticket to overall wellness, but it also helps in warding off potential injuries.
Adopt Correct Exercise Habits: Ensure a proper warm-up before your workouts. Gradually ease into a sport or activity if you've been inactive for a while. Learn and adhere to the correct techniques of weight lifting, and avoid lifting beyond your capacity.
Stay Safe at Work: Be conscious of your shoulder health in your work environment -
Prioritize good posture, whether you're sitting or standing.
Follow safe lifting practices. Maintain a straight back and leverage your leg strength.
Every hour, take a few minutes to move around and stretch.
If your job involves a desk, ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up for comfortable computer use.
Avoid Overreaching: When you need to access high places, use a step stool. Arrange frequently used items within easy reach, in lower drawers or shelves.
Remember, caring for your shoulder health can keep you active and pain-free in the long run.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Heat or a reddened appearance in your shoulder
Restricted arm mobility
Stiffness and reduced strength in your muscles
A sensation of clicking, popping, or grinding during arm movements
Discomfort in your neck, arm, or back
Remember, if you resonate with any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned, we highly recommend making an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Please Note: The information provided on our website is intended for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Each individual's situation and body is different. Therefore, what may work for one person may not work for another. We care about your well-being and advise you to reach out to us to discuss your specific needs before implementing any advice from our website.
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Why Every Golfer Would Benefit From a TPI Assessment for Better Performance
Why Every Golfer Would Benefit From a TPI Assessment for Better Performance
Imagine you’re a mid-handicap golfer in Bend, Oregon. You love teeing off at Tetherow but notice your slice is back or your back twinges after 15 holes. You’ve heard about the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) but have no idea what it is or how it could help your game. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about a TPI Golf Assessment, what it involves, why it matters for your swing, and how a local Bend physical therapy clinic like PhysioFIT Bend can use it to fine-tune your body and fuel your scores.
What Is a TPI Golf Assessment?
A TPI Golf Assessment is a 16-point physical screening developed by the Titleist Performance Institute. Instead of tweaking your grip or swing plane first, TPI looks at your body’s flexibility, strength, balance, and stability, all in relation to the golf swing. Think of it like a mechanic inspecting your car’s suspension, brakes, and steering before tuning the engine. If your hip rotation is tight or your core lacks stability, no amount of swing drills will fix the real issue.
Why Bend Golfers Should Care
In Central Oregon we’re spoiled with golf on the high desert, from Pronghorn’s immaculate greens to the tree-lined fairways of Awbrey Glen. Yet that altitude, crosswinds, and frequent trail running can leave your body misaligned for the perfect swing. A TPI Assessment pinpoints precisely where your body is holding you back, so you can hit farther, straighter, and play pain-free rounds.
The 16-Point Screen: What Gets Tested
During your TPI Golf Assessment at PhysioFIT Bend, a certified TPI professional will guide you through these key tests:
Overhead Squat Pattern
Measures ankle, hip, and thoracic spine mobility along with core stability.Seated Rotation
Assesses torso turn independent of hips—critical for coil in your backswing.Pelvic Tilt
Evaluates low-back flexion and extension control to prevent pain.Single-Leg Balance
Tests proprioception and ankle stability essential for follow-through.Bridge Movement
Gauges glute activation and hip extension power for solid drives.Straight Leg Raise
Checks hamstring and calf flexibility to support posture.Thomas Test
Looks at hip flexor tightness that can limit your swing arc.Trap-Stretch
Measures upper-body extension and shoulder function for a full finish.Core Stability
A series of plank variations to establish a stable rotation axis.Quad Strength
Single-leg squat depth and control for lower-body power transfer.Thoracic Rotation
Seated or standing twist to test upper-back mobility separate from hips.Shoulder Mobility
A-arm reach tests to uncover restrictions in lead-arm extension.Hip Rotation
Internal and external rotation range that drives hip turn and weight shift.Ankle Dorsiflexion
Measures ankle bend to ensure proper hinge at address.Glute Bridge Endurance
Holding a bridge to fatigue to see if endurance drops mid-round.Cervical Spine Function
Neck rotation and tilt to keep your head stable throughout your swing.
Each test is scored, and your TPI-certified therapist will highlight limitations and strengths in a personalized report.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
A typical TPI session at PhysioFIT Bend takes 30 minutes:
Intake & Goals: Quick survey of your swing history, injuries, and performance targets.
Screening: Guided through all 16 tests—no swinging clubs, just movement.
Results Review: Clear explanation of findings with local analogies (“Your hip rotates like a rusty gate, let’s oil those hinges.”).
Action Plan: Customized exercise program with step-by-step drills to address your specific needs.
Access to the TPI client app where you can find your exercise plan (with videos) and track your progress!
How a TPI Assessment Improves Your Game
By fixing physical limitations first, you’ll notice:
Increased Clubhead Speed: Better hip and core function means more power behind every swing.
Greater Consistency: Improved balance and coordination reduce mishits and errant shots.
Reduced Pain & Injury Risk: Correcting imbalances protects your back, shoulders, and knees.
Boosted Confidence: Knowing your body is optimized lets you focus on strategy and course management.
Sample Golf-Specific Exercises
Here are drills you might receive after your assessment:
Hip-Opening Lunge with Rotation: Frees tight hip flexors.
Medicine Ball Rotational Throws: Trains power transfer through torso.
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift: Builds glutes, hamstrings, and balance.
Wall Angels: Enhances upper-back mobility for a full finish.
Banded Ankle Mobilizations: Improves your address hinge mechanics.
Aim to perform these 3 to 4 times weekly, then test changes on the practice tee.
FAQ
What does a TPI Assessment involve?
You’ll complete 16 movement tests covering flexibility, strength, balance, and rotation to identify limitations affecting your swing.Do I need to bring golf clubs?
No. The focus is on body movement. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes.How soon before a tournament should I schedule?
Schedule at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead to implement corrective drills and integrate swing changes.Is it painful?
Tests are gentle; any discomfort comes from existing tight or inflamed areas, and your therapist adjusts accordingly.Who benefits?
All ages and levels, junior golfers, weekend warriors, and seniors alike reap the benefits of optimized movement.How often do you re-screen?
Annual re-screening is ideal, or sooner if you notice new aches, swing changes, or after off-season training.Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Contact your provider, and we can supply required billing codes.Can I do exercises solo?
Yes, but we recommend at least two follow-up sessions to ensure proper form and progression.What about existing injuries?
TPI can flag and adapt tests for injuries in rehab, keeping you safe and on track.How do I book my screen?
Call 541-797-5800 or visit www.PhysioFITBend.com and click “Make an Appointment” with our TPI Certified Pro, Michael Hernandez.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Book your TPI Assessment at PhysioFIT Bend and unlock your full potential on Central Oregon’s premier courses. Your best round yet is just one screen away.
Get In Touch
Email: info@physiofitbend.com
Hours
Mon – Fri - 7:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday - Sunday – CLOSED
Phone Number:
(541) 697-4700
Location: 1334 Northeast 2nd St. Bend, OR 97701
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