Physical Therapy for Neck Pain
Is shoulder pain keeping you from the activities you love? Whether it’s a dull ache that lingers after a long ride, sharp discomfort during a climb, or stiffness making simple movements a struggle, relief starts here. Our approach to shoulder physical therapy in Boulder and Lafayette is founded on specialized, evidence-based care to restore strength, mobility, and function—so you can get back to doing what moves you.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can stem from a variety of conditions, each with its own challenges. Whether you’re dealing with persistent discomfort from overuse or recovering from an injury, understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.
Common Shoulder Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Tears: A torn rotator cuff can develop gradually through repetitive motion or occur suddenly from trauma. Symptoms often include weakness, pain when lifting the arm, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. Rotator cuff tear physical therapy focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles, improving mobility, and reducing inflammation to avoid surgery when possible.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This develops when the tendons in the rotator cuff get pinched between the shoulder bones, leading to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion. Shoulder impingement physical therapy emphasizes posture correction, stretching, and strengthening exercises to create more space in the joint and ease discomfort.
- Bursitis and Tendonitis:Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) or tendons (tendonitis) can result from overuse, poor mechanics, or injury. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and pain that worsens with movement. Physical therapy for bursitis and tendinitis in the shoulder involves gentle mobility work, targeted strengthening, and soft tissue treatments to reduce irritation.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):Frozen shoulder develops when the joint capsule thickens and tightens, severely limiting movement. It often progresses through three stages—painful, frozen, and thawing—lasting months or even years. Physical therapy treatments and exercises help gradually restore range of motion and break up stiffness to speed up recovery.
- Arthritis in the Shoulder:Degenerative joint changes can lead to chronic stiffness and discomfort. While arthritis is not reversible, targeted therapy can improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and minimize pain for better long-term function.
The Shoulder’s Anatomy
The shoulder is a highly mobile but complex joint, relying on a network of bones, muscles, and connective tissues for stability and movement. Key components include:
- Bones: The humerus, scapula, and clavicle form the shoulder joint.
- Rotator Cuff Muscles: A group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) that stabilize and move the shoulder.
- Ligaments and Tendons: These structures connect bones and muscles, ensuring smooth, controlled movement.
Diagnosing Shoulder Problems
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. A shoulder pain diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical Exam Shoulder: A therapist or doctor assesses movement, strength, and areas of pain.
- Imaging Tests: Shoulder X-ray can reveal fractures or arthritis, while an MRI shoulder provides detailed views of soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears or labral damage.
A professional evaluation ensures the right treatment plan, whether it’s rehabilitation or further medical intervention.
Mend Colorado's Comprehensive Approach to Shoulder Rehabilitation
Relief from shoulder pain isn’t just about temporary fixes—it requires expert care, strategic treatment, and a plan designed for lasting results. At Mend Colorado, we combine top-tier clinical expertise with individualized therapy to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your movement.
Our Credentials
Mend Colorado isn’t just another physical therapy clinic. Our board certified and fellowship-trained physical therapists rank in the top 1% of the field, bringing an elite level of expertise to every treatment plan. With advanced training in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, our team delivers shoulder rehab in Boulder and Lafayette that shortens recovery time and lowers costs—helping patients get back to their active lives faster. Whether addressing chronic pain, post-surgical rehab, or sports injuries, our top physical therapists use evidence-based techniques to maximize results.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Every shoulder injury is different, and so is every recovery plan. Our personalized physical therapy plans begin with a detailed assessment to understand your pain, mobility limitations, and lifestyle demands. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or dealing with discomfort from daily activities, we create a custom shoulder exercise program designed around your goals.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy and mobility work to improve range of motion
- Targeted strengthening exercises to restore stability
- Functional training to ensure lasting recovery and injury prevention
Through physical therapy shoulder exercises designed for your specific needs, we focus on not just healing but optimizing movement for long-term success.
Types of Physical Therapy Exercises
Range of Motion Exercises
Restoring mobility is the first step in rehabilitation. Range of motion exercises for the shoulder focus on gentle, controlled movements that prevent stiffness and improve flexibility. These include:
- Pendulum Swings: Gentle circular motions to loosen the joint
- Wall Walks: Slowly inching fingers up a wall to increase overhead reach
- Cross-Body Stretches: Relieving tension in the shoulder muscles
Strengthening Exercises
Building strength in the surrounding muscles supports joint stability and function. Strengthening exercises for the shoulder progress based on ability and injury type. Common exercises include:
- External and internal rotations with resistance bands
- Scapular retraction drills to improve posture and alignment
- Isometric holds for gentle activation of weak muscles
Rotator Cuff Strengthening Exercises
The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder and is often the root of pain and dysfunction. Rotator cuff strengthening exercises are crucial for both injury recovery and prevention. These include:
- Theraband rows to activate the stabilizing muscles
- Prone Y and T raises for shoulder blade control
- Lightweight lateral raises to gradually rebuild strength
For different recovery stages, exercise modifications ensure safe progress while minimizing re-injury risk.
Advanced Techniques for Faster Recovery
Beyond traditional therapy, Mend Colorado offers specialized treatments proven to accelerate healing:
- Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain: Targeted trigger-point therapy to release deep muscle tension and reduce pain.
- Spinal Manipulation for Shoulder Mobility: Adjustments that improve posture and relieve strain on the shoulder complex.
- Manual Therapy for Shoulder Conditions: Hands-on techniques that break up restrictions and enhance joint movement.
These advanced interventions complement traditional rehab, offering faster relief and improved function.
Real Patient Stories
Jon Sargent2025-02-15Johnathon has helped me through multiple injuries to get back to rock climbing. He worked with me to understand my injuries, goals and then establish a plan for recovery. I highly recommend Johnathon .
Heather Garbo2025-02-10I can’t recommend Dr. Chelsey Vasquez enough to anyone in need of healing and PT care. After I suffered a debilitating acute-onset health condition that severely impacted my nervous system, my doctor recommended Dr. Vasquez. Most of the medical professionals I consulted were puzzled by my condition, but Dr. Vasquez was so incredibly knowledgeable and never gave up on me, and bit by bit, she brought me back to functioning normally again. There were weeks I was just living to get to our next appointment because it made that much of a difference in my daily life. I have no doubt that her expert care, wisdom and warm, supportive presence were crucial to my healing journey. She gave me hope when I was running out of options, and was instrumental in me regaining my health. I will always be grateful to her!
Chanel Eddy2025-02-07I’m an esthetician… so that means I’ve struggled with severe neck and back pain for years now. I tried everything, massage, chiropractor, pillows, etc. Really anything that can give me some relief I was willing to try. Nothing worked. I came across a post that Dr Ian Nay was seeing new clients so I gave him a try. He told me that I should have significant relief after a few sessions… honestly I didn’t really believe it but WOW! To my surprise HE WAS RIGHT! I have unbelievable relief. If you’re on the fence or in any amount of pain, just do it… And see Ian, he’s so professional, informative and just overall a pleasant human to be around. Forever client here!
Jane Davidson2025-02-05I’m so happy with the care I received at Mend from Dr Ian Nay . He was able to treat me in the office and set me up with a home exercise program and I experienced quick results.
Maryanne Koschier2025-01-30Dr. Lucas Glomb is an excellent physical therapist. Best I've worked with. We're working on arthritis of my spine and lower back. Dr. Glomb focuses on the mechanics of exercises so I do them correctly and for maximum benefit. He is personable, creative and fun to work with! I have great home exercises to increase strength and mobility. I highly recommend Mend and Dr. Glomb.
Annie Hodgen2025-01-28VP was awesome. He me recover my shoulder. My shoulder feels stronger & pain-free!
Deana Dodds2025-01-20I was treated by Dr. Ian Nay for an injured shoulder. He took great care diagnosing the affected muscles, and developing my treatment plan. My home treatment plan was easy to fit into my day and highly effective. I've seen several PT's over time, and Ian is superb!
Susan Maxwell2025-01-17Dr. Lucas Glomb is an excellent physical therapist. His knowledge and thoroughness have contributed significantly to both my recovery from a patella fracture and my conditioning to prevent future injuries. His explanations are easy to understand. His approach is just the right blend of setting challenging goals and friendly encouragement to reach them. Thank you Lucas!
Noah Fire2025-01-16I was referred by my medical doctor to see Dr. Lucas Glomb at Mend. From the moment I walked in, Dr. Glomb took the time to truly listen to my concerns and goals, tailoring an individualized plan to meet my needs. He continually adjusts my exercises based on my progress. I’ve seen incredible improvements in my physical well-being, and I’m beyond grateful for his care and dedication. If you're looking for a top-tier physical therapist who genuinely cares, I highly recommend Dr. Glomb!
Addressing Specific Patient Needs
Shoulder pain affects people differently depending on their lifestyle, activity level, and daily demands. At Mend Colorado, our treatments are tailored to fit the needs of active individuals, competitive athletes, and new parents—helping each patient regain movement, strength, and confidence.
Active Boulder Residents
Boulder’s outdoor enthusiasts rely on healthy shoulders for everything from scaling rock faces to powering through long rides. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain as a hiker, cyclist, or yoga practitioner, our specialized therapy keeps you moving.
- Hikers and Climbers: Repetitive reaching, pulling, and weight-bearing movements can lead to overuse injuries or impingement. Therapy restores joint stability and prevents further strain.
- Cyclists: Prolonged forward positioning often contributes to stiffness in joints and weakness in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Strengthening and mobility work ease tension and improve posture.
- Yoga Practitioners: Shoulder-intensive poses like downward dog and chaturanga can aggravate instability. We focus on alignment, endurance, and controlled strength.
With our expert guidance, you don’t have to let pain dictate your adventures.
Competitive Athletes
Pushing limits comes with the risk of injury. Whether you’re recovering from a dislocation, labral tear, or rotator cuff strain, our shoulder rehab for athletes ensures a safe and efficient return to peak performance.
- Sport-Specific Recovery: Tailored programs designed to meet the unique demands of your sport.
- Load Progression and Injury Prevention: Gradual strengthening to reduce reinjury risk and enhance resilience.
- Performance Optimization: Advanced techniques like physical therapy for sports injuries in Boulder to improve movement mechanics and efficiency.
From court to trail, field to pool, we help athletes rebuild strength, power, and confidence.
New Parents
Caring for a newborn places unexpected strain on the shoulders. Constant lifting, feeding, and carrying can lead to postpartum shoulder pain, especially for those experiencing musculoskeletal changes from pregnancy.
- Postural Adjustments: Addressing poor alignment from feeding and holding a baby for long periods.
- Strength and Endurance Training: Building stability to prevent overuse injuries.
We understand that new parents need compassionate, efficient care. Our approach helps restore function while fitting into a busy, demanding lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can result from overuse, injury, poor posture, or degenerative conditions. Common issues include rotator cuff strains, impingement, tendonitis, and arthritis.
When should I seek physical therapy for shoulder pain?
If pain persists beyond a few days, limits mobility, or worsens with activity, therapy can help prevent further damage and speed up recovery.
How long does shoulder rehab take?
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the issue. Minor strains may resolve in weeks, while more complex injuries can take months.
Take the First Step Toward Shoulder Pain Relief
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from the activities you love. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic discomfort, or looking to improve mobility, expert care is within reach. At Mend Colorado, our team is ready to create a plan that gets you moving again—safely and effectively.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with a Boulder physical therapist today. Let’s work together to get you back to living pain-free.
Individualized Care Provided By Expert Clinicians