Shoulder & Rotator Cuff
Sleep, reach, lift—without the shoulder drama.
If getting dressed, reaching into a cabinet, or rolling onto your side wakes up a sharp pinch, you’re not alone. Rotator cuff pain can make simple moments feel like a big deal. At Timpanogos Physical Therapy (Timpanogos PT), we combine thoughtful assessment with modern options—shockwave therapy, Electromagnetic Therapy (EMTT), hands‑on care, targeted exercise, and red & near‑infrared light—to calm irritation and restore confident motion.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- A “painful arc” when you raise your arm that eases after a certain point
- Night pain that makes side‑sleeping tough
- A dull ache on the outside of the shoulder during everyday tasks or workouts
- Clicking or catching with certain angles
- A diagnosis like rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement‑type pain, calcific tendinopathy, biceps tendon irritation, or post‑surgical stiffness
If you’re nodding along, there’s a path forward.
Why does rotator cuff pain hang around
Shoulders are built for freedom of movement, which means they rely on teamwork. When the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles stop working in sync—or a tendon gets overloaded—tissues can become sensitive and protective. Sleep, work, and life continue, so the cycle repeats. Breaking that loop means reducing sensitivity, improving the joint’s and soft tissues’ glide, and rebuilding strength and control at a pace your shoulder can accept.
The tools we may use (mixed to fit your shoulder)
Shockwave therapy
Short, focused pulses of mechanical energy give stubborn areas a helpful nudge—quieter pain signals, less guarding, and a better environment for healing. Many people find motion feels smoother as tissues “let go.” If you’ve been looking into shockwave therapy for shoulder pain, this is that option, delivered with care and clear communication.
Electromagnetic Therapy (EMTT)
EMTT applies gentle, pulsed magnetic fields over the shoulder complex to help settle irritable muscles, support circulation, and ease protective tension—especially useful when everything feels tight and reactive.
Manual therapy
Targeted joint and soft‑tissue techniques to free up what’s stuck—shoulder, upper back, even the ribs when they’re part of the story. Less resistance usually means more effortless movement and less guarding.
Therapeutic exercise
Short, doable progressions that restore rotator cuff capacity, scapular control, and thoracic mobility. We start where your shoulder says “okay” and build from there, tying each step to the activities you care about.
Red & near‑infrared light
A relaxing, non‑invasive add‑on that supports recovery and helps calm irritation after bigger days.
Special note on calcific tendinopathy
When calcium deposits irritate the cuff, the shoulder can feel stubborn—especially at night. Shockwave therapy can be a strong ally here, helping nudge the tissue out of “angry mode” while we restore motion and strength around it. If imaging helps guide the plan, we’ll coordinate that with your medical team.
What progress can look like
- Falling asleep (and staying asleep) on your preferred side
- A smoother, less‑catchy arc when reaching overhead or behind your back
- Less next‑day soreness after chores, workouts, or weekend projects
- Steadier strength for lifting, carrying, and overhead tasks
- Confidence that your shoulder won’t “bite” when you need it
FAQs
Do I need imaging first?
Not always. Many shoulder issues respond well to conservative care. If imaging will change the plan—or clarify a calcific case—we’ll help you coordinate it.
What if I’ve tried PT before?
Tools matter, but how they’re used matters more. If earlier care didn’t include targeted shockwave/EMTT or the exercise plan never quite fit your shoulder, a fresh, more personalized approach can still move the needle.
Will I have to stop working out?
Usually not. We’ll show you how to keep training (or stay active at work) while the shoulder calms down and rebuilds.
Ready to get your shoulder back?
If your shoulder has been calling the shots, let’s change the story. Book an evaluation and we’ll build a plan that fits your life—and helps you return to the things you love without the constant “pinch.”