Neurologic & Vestibular physical therapists in Scottsdale, Arizona

Neurologic & vestibular guides

• Can't Reach Behind Your Back? Here's What It Means and What to Do

  Difficulty reaching behind your back — to tuck in a shirt, hook a bra, or grab a wallet — usually signals lost shoulder rotation, most often from frozen shoulder or rotator cuff irritation. It's rarely an emergency, but frozen shoulder in particular benefits from early, well-dosed physical therapy. If the stiffness is progressing or pain is significant, get it assessed sooner rather than later.

• Torn Rotator Cuff: Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment

  A torn rotator cuff is a tear in one of the tendons that lift and steady your arm. It can happen suddenly from an injury or gradually with age. Signs include shoulder pain, night pain, and weakness lifting the arm. Many tears — especially gradual, partial ones — are managed successfully with physical therapy and don't need surgery. Larger or sudden traumatic tears with major weakness should be evaluated promptly.

• Neck Arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis): Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment

  Cervical spondylosis is age-related "wear" of the neck's discs and joints — it's so common that most older adults have it, often without any pain. When it does cause symptoms, you may feel neck stiffness, aching, and reduced motion. It's not a reason to stop moving; physical therapy that keeps the neck strong and mobile helps most people. Arm weakness, hand clumsiness, or balance trouble needs evaluation.

• Shoulder Weakness When Lifting? Here's What It Means and What to Do

  Weakness lifting your arm can simply reflect a painful, irritated rotator cuff "holding back," or it can signal a rotator cuff tear — especially if the weakness is sudden and significant after an injury. Pain-limited weakness often improves as the shoulder settles and strengthens. True, marked weakness after a fall or pull deserves prompt evaluation to check for a tear or nerve issue.