Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain Brooklyn | NYC

Physical Therapy Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

At The Game Plan Physical Therapy, our orthopedic physical therapists understand the complexity of the shoulder and its impact on your active lifestyle. We treat shoulder injuries that are related to sports and weight training. In addition, we serve those who are post-operative and non-operative. We’ll guide you on your path back to the sports and activities you love.

Shoulder Conditions We Specialize in Treating

Dr. Paul Nasri performing a posterior glide of the glenohumeral on a patient at The Game Plan Physical Therapy
  • This is a condition that involves shoulder pain with overhead movement and lifting. It’s most common in weight training, tennis, and baseball. People with subacromial pain will feel pain during an arc of motion as they lift their arm overhead, and movement above that arc is generally pain-free. This condition is treated conservatively with physical therapy techniques.

  • Any of the 4 rotator cuff tendons can be torn, but the supraspinatus and infraspinatus are the most commonly torn rotator cuff tendons. Rotator cuff tears can be the result of trauma or can occur gradually from an overuse injury due to poor mechanics / improper training strategies. Traumatic rotator cuff tears are more commonly treated surgically, and overuse tears are commonly treated conservatively with physical therapy, depending on the patient's age, medical history, and goals. Our physical therapist will perform tests in your evaluation to determine if they suspect a rotator cuff tear, and they may refer you to an orthopedist if needed.

  • An AC joint separation typically occurs from a fall. There can be a separation when ligaments at this joint are torn.There will be pain with lifting overhead, and when reaching across the body. You will also notice a classic “step deformity” visible, depending on the degree of the injury. This injury can be treated conservatively with physical therapy treatment, and our therapists do recommend an orthopedic consultation as well to determine the “type” of injury. Some of the variations of this injury can require surgical intervention.

Dr. Vincent Liu performing a glenohumeral distraction on a patient at The Game Plan Physical Therapy
  • This is a condition that involves inflammation of the biceps tendon. It is most commonly seen due to overtraining / training errors in the gym or in sport. Selective rest can be helpful, as well as cold therapy and anti-inflammatories (ask your MD). The healing time frame is 2-4 weeks. However, if you have gradual onset of symptoms, you may be dealing with tendinopathy of the biceps tendon. Biceps tendinopathy is an overuse injury in which the tendon becomes less capable of tolerating load. You may experience pain at the beginning and after you play your sport / perform your activity.

  • This is an injury that occurs as a result of trauma. Most commonly, this will be seen when somebody is performing heavy, weighted activities such as pull ups or dips. This injury requires orthopedic consultation for surgical intervention. Our therapists will guide you after surgery to ensure proper healing throughout the rehab process. We will work together to get you back to the sports or activities you’d like to return to.

  • This is an injury that typically occurs in weight training, specifically when someone is bench pressing heavy weight. This type of injury typically requires orthopedic consultation for surgical intervention. Our therapists will guide you after surgery to ensure proper healing throughout the rehab process. We will work together to get you back to the sports or activities you’d like to return to.

"I have suffered from severe shoulder pain since I was about 7 years old. I have gone to several doctors and physical therapist about the issue. It wasn’t until I went to Paul that I actually learned what the problem was, the steps I had to take to recover and finally some pain relief! Ever since going to Paul and consistently doing the exercises he taught me I have felt zero pain that, prior to my visits with him, was chronic since I was a child." - Lola

"I sought an initial assessment with Paul and he did in fact think I exhibit symptoms of a frozen shoulder and gave me talking points to take back to my Sports Medicine Doc and insisted that I get an MRI. The MRI actually showed 2 small partial tears and the doctor agreed that I had a frozen shoulder. It was really frustrating to get that news but Paul was very good about managing my expectations and gave me hope that I could go back to normal sooner than the 1-2 year prognosis. I have been diligently having Paul work on it and following the exercise plan he set out for me my shoulder, I’m happy to say that my shoulder is 98% almost back to normal." - Sadia

Out of Pain. Back in The Game.