Shoulder Pain Season: Why Summer Activities Aggravate Your Rotator Cuff
on Thursday, July 10, 2025From swimming in the Columbia River Gorge to weeding your garden in Clackamas, summer is prime time for shoulder pain. If you’ve noticed increased soreness, stiffness, or a clicking sensation in your shoulder during July, you’re not alone.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we see a surge in rotator cuff-related issues every summer — especially in active adults from Portland, Gresham, Happy Valley, and surrounding areas. Whether your pain started recently or is flaring up from an old injury, now is the time to take it seriously before it limits your summer plans.
Why Summer Triggers Shoulder Problems
The shoulder is one of the most mobile — and most vulnerable — joints in the body. It relies on a delicate balance of muscle coordination, tendon health, and joint stability. Summer places unique stress on that system, especially if you’re:
- Playing recreational sports like pickleball, baseball, or golf
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming
- Doing overhead work like painting, pruning, or DIY repairs
- Carrying heavy items like camping gear or luggage
- Gardening, especially with repetitive upper-body motion
These activities can quickly overwork or strain the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint.
Signs You May Have a Rotator Cuff Issue
Many people mistake early rotator cuff symptoms for general soreness, but ignoring them can make things worse. Here are the red flags to watch for:
- Pain with overhead movement (reaching, lifting, throwing)
- Shoulder pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Weakness in the arm or trouble lifting even light objects
- Clicking, grinding, or popping in the joint
- Gradual loss of range of motion
These signs often point to rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, or even a partial tear — all of which can worsen without intervention.
Why Physical Therapy Is the First Step
The good news? You often don’t need surgery to recover from shoulder pain. In fact, physical therapy is the gold standard for improving shoulder strength, restoring motion, and reducing pain.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we take a personalized approach that’s ideal for both new and recurring shoulder conditions, especially common in summer months.
Here’s how we help:
1. Accurate Evaluation and Diagnosis
We assess your shoulder mechanics, posture, muscle strength, and joint mobility to determine the underlying cause of your pain — not just where it hurts.
2. Hands-On Manual Therapy
Our therapists use soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization to reduce tension, improve alignment, and ease inflammation in the shoulder complex.
3. Custom Exercise Programming
We design a progression of exercises that restore strength and control to your rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers — safely and gradually.
4. Posture and Ergonomic Coaching
Many shoulder issues are aggravated by poor posture during gardening, computer work, or driving. We help you identify and correct these habits.
Who’s Most at Risk for Summer Shoulder Pain?
While anyone can suffer from a shoulder injury, we frequently see flare-ups in:
- Active adults over 40, especially those with a history of shoulder issues
- Weekend warriors diving into intense summer sports without conditioning
- Gardeners and homeowners in Happy Valley and Clackamas working overhead
- People returning to swimming or paddleboarding after a long winter off
If you live an active lifestyle around the Portland area and push your body more during summer, you’re more likely to develop shoulder problems without realizing it.
When to Seek Help (Don’t Wait for It to Go Away)
Many patients wait weeks or even months before seeking help, hoping the pain will fade. But shoulder injuries tend to worsen with time — especially if you continue using the arm without proper care.
If your shoulder pain:
- Has lasted more than a few days
- Gets worse with activity
- Impacts your sleep or daily function
- Feels weaker than your other side
…it’s time to book a physical therapy evaluation.
The earlier we start, the faster — and more complete — your recovery can be.
Summer Shoulders Deserve Attention, Too
You’ve got summer plans. Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from kayaking on the river, tossing a frisbee at the park, or finally finishing that home project.
Learn more about us here.
Call us at 503.928.4914 to schedule your appointment today.
SEO Title: Summer Shoulder Pain? Treat Rotator Cuff Issues in Portland with PT
SEO Description: Shoulder pain ruining your summer? Renew PT in Portland, Gresham, and Happy Valley offers expert physical therapy for rotator cuff injuries.
