Goodyear
Request Appointment

Shoulder Muscle Spasm Relief: PT – Approved Tricks to Try

shoulder muscle spasms

You wake up with a sharp, tight pain in your shoulder. Every small movement feels like a battle. Sound familiar? Shoulder muscle spasm can stop you in your tracks, making even simple tasks feel impossible.

The good news? You don’t have to live with the pain. Physical therapy can help you break free from those stubborn spasms. But before you try everything under the sun, checking out our PT tricks could make all the difference.

Let’s dive into what causes these spasms and the PT-approved solution that actually works.

shoulder muscle spasms

Our TOP Physical Therapy Tricks to Prevent Muscle Spasm, Strain, and Imbalances (And Recover If You’re Already Suffering!)

Frozen Shoulder: Regain Movement and Reduce Stiffness

Frozen shoulder can make it nearly impossible to lift your arm without significant pain. The shoulder joint becomes stiff, and even small movements trigger painful contractions.

Try these physical therapy techniques to reduce stiffness and improve mobility:

  • Pendulum Stretch: Let your arm hang and gently swing it in circles to loosen tense muscles.
  • Cross-Body Stretch: Pull your upper arm across your chest to relieve tightness in the shoulder muscles.
  • Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back with both hands and gently pull upward to stretch the rotator cuff tendons.

Shoulder Muscle Spasm: Relieve Tightness and Prevent Painful Contractions

Shoulder spasms can strike suddenly, making it hard to move your arm. Muscle overuse, poor posture, and repetitive movements are common triggers.

Use these techniques to ease muscle spasms and prevent future flare-ups:

  • Foam Roller Massage: Roll over your rhomboid muscles and shoulder blades to release tension.
  • Spinal Decompression Therapy: A spinal decompression device can help relieve spinal compression that contributes to shoulder pain.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply heat to increase blood flow and ice to reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Muscle cramps don’t have to control your life. With the right treatment, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and get back to doing what you love. Continuous Motion Physical Therapy is here to help you move better and feel stronger.

Call us today at (623) 208-8008 to request an appointment.

shoulder muscle spasms

Rotator Cuff Strain: Strengthen and Stabilize the Shoulder Joint

Your rotator cuff muscles support the shoulder joint, but repetitive movements or direct injury can cause muscle strain. Symptoms of spasm in the rotator cuff include sharp muscle pain and temporary breaks in movement.

Try these exercises to protect and strengthen your rotator cuff:

  • External Rotations: Use a resistance band to build strength in the rotator cuff tendons.
  • Wall Angels: Stand against a wall and move your arms up and down like you’re making snow angels.
  • Scapular Retractions: Squeeze your shoulder blades together to improve stability in the upper back.

Neck Pain and Muscle Spasm: Fix Muscle Imbalances and Reduce Pain

Poor posture, muscle weakness, and muscle imbalances often lead to neck pain and muscle spasms in the upper body. Over time, these issues can affect surrounding structures, leading to more severe discomfort.

Try these methods to correct improper posture and ease tension:

  • Chin Tucks: Pull your chin toward your chest to stretch the neck and improve alignment.
  • Upper Trap Stretch: Tilt your head to the side while gently pulling with your hand to relieve tension.
  • Massage Roller Therapy: Use a massage roller to break up knots in the soft tissue.

Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Cramps: Stay Hydrated and Balance Electrolytes

Muscle cramps and spasm can happen when your body lacks essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Dehydration increases the risk of involuntary contractions, especially after lifting weights or playing sports.

To keep muscle spasm in check:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Eat foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
  • Stretch before and after workouts to prevent painful contractions.

Preventing Future Muscle Strain and Injury

If you struggle with occasional muscle spasm, painful contractions, or shoulder pain, don’t wait until it gets worse.

Seek a physical therapist’s advice if you have persistent severe pain or symptoms of spasms that interfere with daily life.

Physical therapy can help you regain mobility and reduce muscle pain without a major intervention.

At Continuous Motion Physical Therapy, We Get to the Root of Your Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can strike at any time, causing sudden, painful contractions that make movement difficult.

Whether you’re dealing with shoulder muscle spasm, muscle strain, or repetitive muscle cramps, ignoring the issue can lead to muscle imbalances and ongoing discomfort.

At Continuous Motion Physical Therapy, we don’t just focus on temporary relief. We identify the underlying cause of your cramps and create a treatment plan designed to improve your strength, mobility, and overall function.

Personalized Treatment Plans to Reduce Muscle Cramps and Improve Mobility

Every body is different, and so is every muscle contraction response. We take a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring you get the care that works best for your body.

Our physical therapy strategies include:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tense muscles and increase blood flow.
  • Targeted Strength Exercises: Designed to correct muscle imbalances and prevent future cramps.
  • Stretching and Mobility Work: Helping you restore flexibility in the shoulder joint, upper body, and affected area.
  • Postural and Movement Corrections: Reducing risk factors like poor posture, spinal compression, and repetitive movements.
  • Hydration and Electrolyte Guidance: Making sure your body has the minerals it needs to prevent muscle spasms and cramps.

Supporting Your Recovery So You Stay Active and Pain-Free

If you’ve been lifting weights, playing sports, or recovering from a direct injury, your body may need extra support. Repetitive movements and improper posture can make your cramps worse over time. That’s why we also focus on:

  • Functional Strength Training: So you can return to the gym, sports, or daily activities pain-free.
  • Spinal Decompression Therapy: Reducing pressure on the spinal compression areas to relieve neck pain, shoulder pain, and upper back tension.
  • Soft Tissue Work and Massage Therapy: Helping break up knots in rhomboid muscles, shoulder blades, and rotator cuff tendons.

Find Lasting Relief—Schedule an Appointment Today

Muscle cramps don’t have to control your life. With the right treatment, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and get back to doing what you love. Continuous Motion Physical Therapy is here to help you move better and feel stronger.Call us today at (623) 208-8008 to request an appointment.

A man in a suit and tie smiling.
Author

Dr. Cameron Moore

PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

Helping active people STAY active

Want To Get Relief Faster?

Choose which option works best for you
Speak With A PT
Availability & Pricing
Request Appointment

Monday-Friday 8am-6pm by Appointment

The front of a building with a sign that says continual sports.
Scroll to Top

Dr. Kelsey Houston
PT, DPT, CERT. CN

Dr. Kelsey Houston is a dedicated and skilled physical therapist with a passion for promoting health and wellness. Originally from Damascus, OR, she pursued her graduate education in Arizona, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University. Throughout her academic career, she honed a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice, patient-centered care, and rehabilitation techniques.

Dr. Houston also brings a background in athletics, particularly competitive soccer, which has fueled her dedication to sports rehabilitation and orthopedics. She earned a degree in Clinical Health Sciences from Portland State University, further deepening her knowledge of the human body and its movement mechanics. Her clinical experience spans a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, where she has worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

With a particular focus on orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, Dr. Houston is committed to helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and return to active lifestyles. She takes a patient-centered approach, using her expertise to help individuals improve their quality of life.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Houston values maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Kelseys Credentials 

  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
Request Appointment

Dr. Taylor Calixto, PT, DPT Cert. DN, PCES

Originally from Seattle, Dr. Taylor Calixto has always had a passion for sports, health, and movement. A lifelong soccer player, she was drawn to physical therapy after recovering from a shoulder injury. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boise State and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Western University of Health Sciences, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based, patient-centered care.
While in school, Taylor discovered a passion for pelvic health, inspired by two mentors who helped shape her path. She earned her dry needling certification in 2023 and completed advanced pelvic floor training in 2024. Dr. Taylor is committed to empowering patients through personalized, compassionate care—whether they’re returning to sport, navigating pregnancy and postpartum, or addressing pelvic health concerns.

Request Appointment

Ashley Hardman - Performance Coach

 

Ashley Hardman brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as a Performance Coach. She graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Wellness and a minor in Psychology, while also competing as a Division I softball player for four years.

During her fifth year at BYU, Ashley interned with the Olympic Strength Coaches, where she oversaw training programs for all campus athletic teams and ran the Gymnastics strength program. She went on to intern at EXOS in Carlsbad, CA, where she assisted in training club swim athletes, military personnel, retired NFL players, and NFL prospects.

Ashley’s diverse background also includes working as a physical therapy aide, a chiropractor scribe, and a personal trainer at a private gym. After relocating to Arizona, she returned to her alma mater, Estrella Foothills High School, as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, where she taught Weight Training and Athletic Performance classes, and led after-school strength programs for all campus sports.

Now at CMPT, Ashley is committed to helping clients achieve their goals by pushing them to become the best version of themselves. She believes in making 1% progress every day—for herself and for those she trains. Her personal approach to coaching builds strong relationships with clients and athletes, creating a motivating and supportive environment for lasting success.

 

Request Appointment

Dr. Cameron Moore, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

skilled thrapist

Dr. Cameron Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, has always been very active with sports and activities starting with competitive motocross racing up to a semi-professional level and being a scholarship athlete in track and field competing at the division 1 level in college at Eastern Washington University in the triple jump. Cameron became interested in the profession of physical therapy after having knee surgery in high school and seeing the inter-workings of the profession. He pursued his bachelors degree in Exercise Science before moving to Phoenix to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Franklin Pierce University.

He then began specialization courses for spinal manipulation (Spinal Manipulation Institute) and dry needling (Dry Needling Institute). This lead Cameron in to becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT) through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) and earned a Diploma of Osteopractic®, a distinction and training that only a small percentage of physical therapist have completed.

Dr. Moore continues to be very involved with motocross riding, Crossfit®, Olympic weight lifting, running and an overall active lifestyle with his Wife (Michelle) and their Vizsla (Parker).

Dr. Cameron Moore’s Credentials

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified in Dry Needling (Cert DN)
  • Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Cert SMT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip Osteopractic)
  • Fellow Of The American Academy Of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT)
  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellow (AAMT)
  • Crossfit® Level 1 Certified (CF-L1)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified
  • USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach
Request Appointment

Dr. Michelle Moore, PT, DPT FAAOMPT, Dip. Osteopractic

weightlifting in physical therapy

Dr. Michelle Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, grew up as a competitive gymnast and developed a passion for healthy living from a young age. Her collegiate studies in Health Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and athletic background influenced her to combine her passions and pursue a career in physical therapy. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2013.

Dr. Moore continued her educational pathway through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy where she earned her Diploma Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic) and became Certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT). From 2016-2017 Dr. Moore completed the rigorous coursework to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), a distinction held by only a fraction of the profession.

Dr. Moore’s special interests include treating active individuals and returning them to the activities that they love. In her spare time she enjoys Crossfit®, Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Cameron, and dog, Parker.

Dr. Michelle Moore’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Certified Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified
Request Appointment