Do I need imaging like an MRI before my first visit?
No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.
Can I keep working out while I am being treated?
Usually yes. Your PT team will help you adjust your training so you do not aggravate the shoulder while it is healing. Continuing to move and stay active is almost always better than complete rest. We will help you figure out what to keep, what to modify, and what to pause for a short while.
I have frozen shoulder. Is there anything that actually helps?
Yes. Frozen shoulder responds best to a coordinated approach: gentle joint mobilization, progressive movement work, and soft tissue care to address the tension that builds around the joint. It takes patience. Most patients see meaningful improvement over a few months of consistent care.
I had shoulder surgery. Can you help with recovery?
Yes. Post-surgical shoulder recovery is one of the most common reasons patients come to Wellspring. We work with your surgical timeline and protocols and build a recovery plan that supports the healing process. Hands-on PT combined with therapeutic massage often produces faster, more complete recovery than home exercise alone.
Do I need surgery for my shoulder pain?
Most shoulder pain does not require surgery. Even many partial rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder cases, and impingement issues respond well to conservative team-based care. Your evaluation will help determine whether your shoulder is a good candidate for PT or whether a surgical opinion makes sense. We will tell you honestly either way.
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff injury or just a strain?
Rotator cuff issues range from mild irritation to partial tears to full tears. A thorough evaluation at your first visit will help clarify what is going on. Your nurse practitioner can order imaging if needed. Many rotator cuff injuries respond very well to physical therapy and do not require surgery.