Shoulder Pain in Frisco and Dallas, TX

Shoulder pain can make everyday activities harder, from reaching overhead and lifting to sleeping comfortably on your side. Whether your symptoms began after an injury or developed gradually over time, it can be frustrating to feel limited at work, at home, or during exercise.

At Ace Physical Therapy and Wellness in Frisco, Texas, we look at how your shoulder, neck, and upper back are working together and create an individualized plan to help reduce pain, improve motion, and restore strength so you can move with more confidence.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Frisco and Dallas

Because the shoulder is highly mobile, it depends on good coordination between joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Pain may be related to:

• Rotator cuff irritation or tears that affect lifting and reaching

• Bursitis that leads to soreness and pain with overhead motion

• Shoulder impingement where soft tissues become irritated in a small space

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) with progressive stiffness and limited motion

• Labral or cartilage changes that affect stability and comfort

• Arthritis or age related changes that contribute to stiffness and aching

Posture, repetitive tasks, and strength imbalances around the shoulder blade and spine can also play a role, even when there is no single injury event.

Comprehensive Shoulder Assessment

A clear picture of how your shoulder is functioning helps guide treatment. During your one on one evaluation, your therapist may include:

• Range of motion testing to see which directions are limited or painful

• Strength and endurance testing of the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles

• Joint mobility assessment to check how the shoulder, shoulder blade, and upper back move together

• Neurological screening when needed to look for nerve related symptoms

• Postural and movement analysis during tasks such as reaching, lifting, or desk work

From this information, we develop a plan that aligns with your activities and goals, whether you want to sleep comfortably, return to sport, or manage work demands with less pain.

Treatment Approach for Shoulder Pain

Rather than using a single protocol, we combine several treatment strategies to support recovery:

1. Manual Therapy

Hands on techniques can help reduce stiffness and improve comfort, including:

• Joint mobilization to improve shoulder and upper back motion

• Soft tissue and myofascial work to ease muscle tension

• Targeted work on trigger points that may refer pain into the arm or neck

2. Strength and Stability Training

Specific exercises are used to support the shoulder and reduce strain, such as:

• Rotator cuff strengthening to improve control during lifting and reaching

• Scapular stability work to support better posture and mechanics

• Gradual resistance training to build strength in a safe, progressive way

3. Posture and Movement Training

We also address how you use your shoulder throughout the day by:

• Adjusting work and home set ups to reduce unnecessary stress on the joint

• Practicing efficient reaching, lifting, and carrying strategies

• Providing a home exercise program so you can continue improving between visits

Spotlight on Dr. Stephen Fort

Our programs are led by Dr. Stephen Fort, a nationally and internationally recognized expert in advanced physical therapy care. His background spans manual therapy, orthopedics, dry needling, and movement science, allowing him to design treatment plans rooted in the latest clinical research.

• Doctor of Physical Therapy – Texas Tech University

• Orthopedic Certified Specialist

• Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

• Fellowship in Manual Therapy and Orthopedics – The Manual Therapy Institute

• International educator in manual therapy, physical therapy, and dry needling

Dr. Fort brings a high level of clinical reasoning and hands-on expertise to every service we offer, ensuring patients receive individualized, effective, and research-driven care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I seek treatment for shoulder pain?
If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, interferes with sleep, or limits lifting and reaching, an evaluation can help clarify what is contributing and which activities should be modified.

Can shoulder pain improve without surgery?
Many shoulder conditions respond well to conservative care, including exercise, manual therapy, and activity changes. Your therapist will also let you know if further medical follow up is recommended.

What if my neck is sore as well?
Neck and shoulder symptoms often overlap. During your assessment, we look at both regions and include treatment strategies that address how they influence each other.

How long does it take to notice change?
Some people feel early improvement in comfort or motion within a few visits, while longer standing problems may require a more extended plan. Your therapist will outline realistic expectations based on your findings and progress.

Take the Next Step

You do not have to manage shoulder pain on your own. A focused assessment can help you understand what is driving your symptoms and outline practical steps toward better comfort and function.

Contact Ace Physical Therapy and Wellness in Frisco or Dallas, Texas to schedule an appointment. We will work with you to develop an individualized shoulder rehabilitation program aimed at reducing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting the activities that matter most to you.