Orthopedic physical therapy
Shoulder and elbow
Care for shoulders and elbows that hurt, catch or weaken, including people whose surgeon has asked for a careful return of motion and strength.
This care is for you if…
Reaching overhead, behind you or across your body hurts
Your shoulder catches, clicks or feels weak when you lift
Your elbow aches when you grip, carry or type
You had a rotator cuff, shoulder or elbow operation and have a protocol from your surgeon
You want your arm to do what your job or your garden asks of it
What to know about shoulder and elbow care
What we do
We test how the shoulder blade, the joint and the neck move together, work on stiff joints and tight tissue by hand, and build strength in steps. After surgery, we follow the protocol your surgeon sends.
What decides how many visits
The exam, your goals, any surgeon's protocol and how your shoulder or elbow responds. We tell you when to expect progress to be slow, and when to ask your surgeon a question.
Who treats you
A physical therapist from our five, each with a manual-therapy fellowship. Norman Ashworth sees most shoulder and elbow patients.
How it is paid for
We bill most plan types and explain what you may owe before your first visit. If you pay yourself, we give you a written estimate first.
How fees workWhen to see a doctor first
Call your doctor before you come if your arm is suddenly swollen, hot or discolored, or if you have chest pain with arm pain. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.
What to bring
Your surgeon's protocol or operative notes if you have them, imaging reports, and a top you can lift your arms in.
Questions about shoulder and elbow
I had shoulder surgery. When can I start?
Your surgeon sets the date and the precautions. Send us their protocol or have your patient portal share it, and we follow it as written.
Will you work on the sore spot?
We examine the whole chain from your neck to your hand first. The sore spot is often where the problem shows up, not where it starts. Your therapist explains what they are doing before they do it.
Do I need an injection or a scan first?
No. Your therapist examines you and tells you if your findings suggest you should see a physician before we go on.
Ready to have your shoulder or elbow examined?
We call you before your first visit to check your benefits.