Is upper extremity pain something to worry about?
Not necessarily. Your shoulders are two of the most active joints in your entire body, and your elbows, wrists, and hands work through thousands of repetitions a day. It's normal to develop mild pain occasionally, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week and don't improve with rest, identifying the cause is crucial.
Dr. Mehta has more than 25 years of experience using physical therapy and other manual techniques to stop upper extremity pain and keep it from worsening.
What causes shoulder, elbow, and hand pain?
At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta treats pain caused by:
- Joint arthritis
- Rotator cuff injuries and impingement
- Bursitis and tendinitis
- Bone spurs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder separation or dislocation
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger and De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Rotator cuff injuries are most common in athletes who throw, including baseball players, softball players, and quarterbacks. Elbow, wrist, and hand pain frequently trace back to repetitive work — keyboards, tools, and assembly tasks.
What can I expect at a consultation?
Before developing a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Mehta reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms — when the pain started, what it feels like, and whether it's worse when you reach, lift overhead, grip, or twist.
Let Dr. Mehta know about your job and lifestyle, including if you play sports or do other activities that put your joints at risk. This information helps pinpoint the underlying cause and is crucial in guiding treatment.
Dr. Mehta then completes a physical therapy evaluation, assessing strength, range of motion, grip, and your ability to reach and make throwing motions. He may order diagnostic imaging to check for underlying issues, like bone spurs, fractures, or tendon inflammation.
How does a physical therapist treat it?
At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta combines manual therapies and innovative technology. He might suggest:
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Massage therapy
- Movement training
- Postural training
- Joint taping
- Motor control training
- Shockwave therapy
Dr. Mehta often incorporates biofeedback muscle training as part of a complete care plan. This advanced treatment uses wearable electronic sensors and mind-body techniques to improve muscle control, relieve pain, and speed up healing.
Most people benefit from a combination of these techniques. Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule treatment or request a new patient form online.
