Physical Therapy That Works for Shoulder Injuries in Clifton, New Jersey
Shoulder injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues seen in active individuals, athletes, and even those with more sedentary lifestyles. Whether caused by sports, repetitive use, or an accident, shoulder pain can be debilitating and significantly limit your ability to perform daily activities. Fortunately, physical therapy provides an effective, non-invasive path to recovery.
In this post, we’ll explore common shoulder injuries and how physical therapy—especially under the expert care of Clifton Spine and Physical Therapy’s Dr. Joelle Manganella, PT, DPT can support healing, restore function, and prevent future problems.
Common Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage. Because of this intricate structure and wide range of motion, it's prone to a variety of injuries. Here are some of the most frequent ones:
1. Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears can occur from overuse, trauma, or degeneration over time. Symptoms often include weakness, pain when lifting the arm, and limited mobility.
2. Labral Tears
The labrum is the rim of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, helping stabilize the joint. A tear can result from trauma, repetitive motion, or shoulder dislocations, and often causes clicking, catching, or a sense of instability.
3. Impingement Syndrome
Impingement occurs when the tendons or bursa (small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction) in the shoulder are compressed during arm movement, leading to inflammation and pain, especially with overhead activities.
4. Shoulder Dislocations
This happens when the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket, often from trauma or sports injuries. Once dislocated, the shoulder becomes more susceptible to future dislocations.
5. Sprains and Strains
These refer to injuries to the ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) surrounding the shoulder. They can result from falls, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements.
6. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
This condition causes stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually and may take months to resolve without proper treatment.
7. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation
This injury affects the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. It’s commonly caused by falls or direct impact and leads to pain, swelling, and visible deformity.
8. SLAP Tears
A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) affects the top portion of the labrum where it connects to the biceps tendon. These injuries can result from repetitive overhead motions and are common in throwing athletes.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Shoulder Injury Recovery
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for most shoulder injuries. It addresses pain, restores strength, improves mobility, and prevents future injury. Rather than relying on surgery or long-term medications, many patients find relief and recovery through targeted physical therapy interventions.
Treatment Techniques
A well-rounded shoulder rehabilitation program may include:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore soft tissue function.
Strengthening Exercises: Overhead presses, rows, lat pulldowns, and resistance training help rebuild muscle strength and shoulder stability.
Stretching and Mobility Work: Flexibility exercises target tight muscles and connective tissues to enhance range of motion.
Posture Correction: Many shoulder issues stem from poor posture. Therapists work with patients to improve shoulder alignment and mechanics.
Education: Patients learn how to modify activities, correct movement patterns, and prevent reinjury.
Meet Dr. Joelle Manganella, PT, DPT
At the heart of many successful shoulder rehab journeys is a skilled physical therapist. Dr. Joelle Manganella is one such expert—dedicated, compassionate, and highly experienced in treating a broad spectrum of shoulder injuries.
Education & Background
Dr. Manganella earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Dominican College of Blauvelt after completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she also competed as a collegiate lacrosse player. Her athletic background fuels her passion for treating sports-related injuries and helping others optimize performance.
Professional Expertise
Dr. Manganella has worked with pediatric to geriatric populations and has specialized training in:
Post-operative shoulder rehabilitation
Vestibular and concussion therapy
TMJ disorders
Neurological and orthopedic conditions
She is certified in RockTape and is currently completing McKenzie spine training, adding more tools to her evidence-based practice.
Approach to Shoulder Rehabilitation
Her personalized treatment plans combine manual therapy, strength training, functional movement re-education, and patient education. Whether you’re recovering from a rotator cuff tear or managing frozen shoulder, Dr. Manganella creates a supportive and motivating environment for healing.
The Path to Recovery Starts Today
Shoulder injuries don't have to sideline your life. With the right guidance and consistent physical therapy, most patients can expect a strong recovery and even return to high-level performance in sports and daily activities.
If you're experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent further damage and speed up recovery.
Get in touch with a licensed physical therapist like Dr. Joelle Manganella to take the first step toward regaining strength, mobility, and pain-free movement.
Have questions about shoulder rehab or want to schedule a consultation? Reach out today and take control of your recovery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy or call 973-874-0888.