The Most Common Shoulder Injuries Treated in Physical Therapy

Expert Guidance from Vail Summit Physical Therapy

Shoulder injuries can interrupt everything from skiing and mountain biking to work, fitness, and daily tasks. At Vail Summit Physical Therapy, our clinicians frequently see patients with rotator cuff pain, shoulder labral tears, and shoulder instability who are eager to get back to a strong, active lifestyle.

Below, our team answers the most common questions about shoulder injuries we treat every day and how physical therapy helps you return to full mobility and confidence.

What Are the Most Common Shoulder Injuries That Bring People to Physical Therap

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which means it is also one of the most vulnerable. The injuries we treat most often include:

• Rotator cuff strains

• Shoulder impingement

• Shoulder labral tears

• Frozen shoulder

• AC joint sprains

• Shoulder instability

Whether your symptoms began suddenly after a fall or gradually from overuse, physical therapy plays a crucial role in reducing pain, restoring motion, and building long term shoulder strength.

What Is Rotator Cuff Pain and How Does PT Help?

Rotator cuff pain is one of the most common reasons people seek shoulder care. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate the arm. When these tissues become irritated or strained, rotator cuff pain can make daily movements and athletic activities challenging.

Physical therapy can reduce rotator cuff pain by improving posture, strengthening the stabilizing muscles, and restoring healthy movement patterns. Manual therapy and targeted exercises help decrease inflammation and support long term recovery. Many people return to activity more quickly when rotator cuff pain is addressed early.

What Causes Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed during arm movement. This can lead to inflammation, weakness, and sharp pain when reaching overhead.

At VSPT, our clinicians focus on restoring optimal shoulder mechanics, improving mobility in the upper back and shoulder blade, and building balanced strength to relieve pressure and prevent recurring impingement.

How Do Shoulder Labral Tears Happen?

Shoulder labral tears involve damage to the ring of cartilage that deepens and stabilizes the shoulder socket. These injuries often happen from falls, repetitive overhead motion, or rapid force as seen in skiing or mountain biking accidents.

Shoulder labral tears can cause clicking, catching, weakness, or feelings of instability. Physical therapy helps restore range of motion, strengthen stabilizing muscles, and support healing. Many patients recover fully with non-surgical care, and PT is essential even for those who require surgical repair.

Throughout treatment, we address the contributing factors that can worsen shoulder labral tears, helping you move confidently and avoid reinjury.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff, painful, and limited in motion. It often appears gradually and can be extremely frustrating.

Physical therapy is a key part of recovery, helping restore motion through guided mobility work, gentle stretching, manual therapy, and progressive strengthening. While frozen shoulder takes time to resolve, consistent PT can significantly reduce discomfort and speed up improvement.

What Is an AC Joint Sprain?

The AC joint sits where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder. A fall, impact, or forceful overhead motion can sprain this joint, causing pain at the top of the shoulder and difficulty lifting the arm.

Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and rebuilding shoulder and upper back strength. Proper rehab helps restore stability and prevents lingering discomfort during sports or work activities.

How Does PT Support Shoulder Instability Treatment?

Shoulder instability means the shoulder feels loose, slips, or is at risk of dislocating. It often results from ligament laxity, repetitive overhead sports, or a previous injury.

Physical therapy is the foundation of shoulder instability treatment. Our team builds strength around the rotator cuff and shoulder blade, improves joint positioning, and retrains the body to move safely and powerfully. Shoulder instability treatment relies heavily on consistent strengthening, proper mechanics, and gradual return to activity.

Many patients avoid surgery with a well designed program focused on shoulder instability treatment, while those who have had surgery use PT to regain full, stable motion.

When Should I See a Physical Therapist for Shoulder Pain?

If shoulder pain limits your daily function, interrupts exercise, or has persisted for more than a week or two, an evaluation is recommended. Early care leads to faster recovery, especially for rotator cuff pain, shoulder labral tears, and shoulder instability treatment.

At Vail Summit Physical Therapy, you receive one on one care with a licensed clinician who creates a personalized plan to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.

About Vail Summit Physical Therapy

Vail Summit Physical Therapy provides comprehensive, evidence based shoulder care across Edwards, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge. Our clinicians help patients overcome rotator cuff pain, shoulder labral tears, frozen shoulder, AC joint sprains, and shoulder instability with customized treatment plans designed for long term success. Whether you are recovering from an injury or trying to stay active in the mountains, our team is here to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence year round. Contact our team today!