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Shoulder Physical Therapyin Corpus Christi

Shoulder pain can arise from within the shoulder joints and surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons. On occasion, it is caused by a problem within the shoulder that worsens when you move it. Shoulder pain that isn’t worsened by moving your shoulder is more likely to be something called “referred pain,” which is caused by diseases or conditions affecting structures in your chest or abdomen. If shoulder pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing or a sense of tightness in the chest, please seek immediate medical attention as it may be a symptom of heart attack.

Rotator Cuff

Your rotator cuff is made up of the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. These muscles and tendons connect your upper arm bone with your shoulder blade. They also help hold the ball of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket. The combination results in the greatest range of motion of any joint in your body. A rotator cuff injury includes any type of irritation or damage to your rotator cuff muscles or tendons. Causes of a rotator cuff injury may include falling, lifting and repetitive arm activities — especially those done overhead, such as throwing a baseball or placing items on overhead shelves.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within a two-year period. Your risk of developing frozen shoulder increases if you’ve recently had to have your arm in a sling for several weeks, or if you have had surgery in which your arm was immobilized in a specific position for a prolonged period.

Information courtesy of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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Shoulder Physical Therapy Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • You should wear loose clothes that make it easy to move. We also recommend sneakers. Workout clothes will work, but any comfortable clothing will work fine. Plan on giving your therapist access to your area of concern. The less your clothes restrict your movement and the more comfortable you are, the better. Shorts, yoga pants, or athletic/loose fitting pants and a tee shirt are all good options.

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People in Corpus Christi Trust Shea PT

Hear from patients that reclaimed their lives.

I came in a little more than three weeks ago because I could not move my shoulder at the direction of Dr. Barenstein. Then about 2 weeks ago I had my shoulder “manipulated”, all through this painful ordeal Ria and Thomas were my physical therapists. These two did an absolutely marvelous job, so good in fact that they worked themselves out of a job in just 10 days after the manipulation by helping me regain almost all of the mobility and teaching me the exercises that I need to do!

5 stars

J.M.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

Thank you for the excellent rehab experience yet again!

Your front office always had ladies at the window: friendly and willing to stop what they were doing to help when someone walked up.

My therapist Joyce and Diane were wonderful, easy to work with, and helpful if I had questions. With their watchful eye, concerned interest, and guidance I was able to achieve my goals. I proudly wear my graduation t-shirt that Joyce gave me on the inside track at Corpus Christi Athletic Club as I continue my own exercises.

5 stars

B.L.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I have reached the end of my therapy and want to show my appreciation to your staff. They are a great group of people. I have been to other places for physical therapy but your people have shown a personal side to the people they work with. They make you feel like a friend or family member and show a personal interest in your recovery. I would highly recommend Shea Physical Therapy to anyone needing physical therapy. Thanks again! Keep up the good work!

5 stars

J.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

My doctor insisted that I come to Shea Physical Therapy and now I understand why. My wife’s massage therapist says you are the best. If all your therapists are the same caliber as Diane, I can understand why you have the reputation as “the best in South Texas”. Thanks for offering such an outstanding service.

5 stars

P.A.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I recently had therapy sessions for my shoulder at your facility. Not only is your staff extremely knowledgeable regarding all aspects of therapeutic treatment but also maintains a cheerful and positive atmosphere while teaching patients the exercises that benefit them. It is good to see professionals consider the whole person who is being treated. Congratulations to you and your staff.

5 stars

H.R.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

For those of you who waited, worked, tolerated and had patience with me, thank you and bless all of you. This is one of those times when saying “Thank You” does not seem like enough.

Office staff, therapy professionals, technicians – so much appreciation, and gratitude for all of you.

5 stars

N.I.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I want to thank Shea Therapy for all the care you have given me on my road to recovery. Your expertise and professionalism is impressive! I want to especially thank those who worked directly with me. Thank you Lucy and Hilda for always putting me in my favorite room. Thank you Diane, my direct PT, along with Shana, PTA and Alex. Thank you ladies in the front office who were always so cheery and helpful.

5 stars

T.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

Just a little note of gratitude for the care I received at your facility. My experience was just as rewarding and beneficial as the first time (approximately 30 years ago). I can’t thank you enough, beginning with the ladies at the front desk, Hilda & Lucy and you, Dan.

5 stars

M.N.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time and risk to see me even as we all struggled to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to report you the success of your efforts as I am relatively PAIN FREE these days. I remained skeptical of the treatment outcome in the middle of August. However, I continued the prescribed physical therapy regimen and precisely as predicted, six to seven weeks later I am practically PAIN FREE! Still recovering but 100% improved – THANKS to you! My sincerest appreciation for your time and efforts,

5 stars

R.K.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient

Thank you for everything you have done for me. Sorry for being so much trouble. You all are amazing. I thank God for placing me with such caring, loving people.

5 stars

M.R.

Shea Physical Therapy Patient
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