Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues affecting active adults, athletes, and even those with sedentary lifestyles. If you’re dealing with shoulder dysfunction in Wichita, you may have been told to get an MRI to “see what’s wrong.”

However, the truth is, MRIs can be deceiving, and physical therapy—especially treatments like dry needling and stabilization exercises—can often provide long-lasting relief without surgery or unnecessary medical interventions.

Why Shoulder Pain Happens

The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body, which also makes it prone to instability and injury. Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator Cuff Strains & Tendinopathy
• Shoulder Impingement
• Labral Tears
• Biceps Tendinitis
• Scapular Dyskinesis (Poor Shoulder Blade Control)
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Many of these conditions can cause pain, limited mobility, and weakness, making everyday activities like reaching overhead, lifting weights, or even sleeping uncomfortable.

Why MRIs Aren’t Always the Answer

Many people in Wichita looking for shoulder pain treatment believe an MRI will give them a clear diagnosis. But here’s the problem:

 MRIs show abnormalities even in people without pain. Studies have found that over 50% of middle-aged adults have rotator cuff tears, labral issues, or arthritis—but no symptoms at all. (Source)

 MRIs don’t measure function. Just because an MRI finds a tear or structural issue doesn’t mean it’s causing your pain. Many shoulder dysfunctions are movement-related, meaning they can be treated successfully with physical therapy and dry needling without invasive procedures.

 Imaging often leads to unnecessary surgery. Many people with shoulder pain in Wichita get referred for surgery based on an MRI alone, even though conservative treatments like manual therapy, dry needling, and strength exercises often resolve the issue.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Shoulder Pain in Wichita

Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain Relief

One of the most effective treatments for chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, and trigger points is dry needling. Our Wichita physical therapy clinic uses Integrative Dry Needling to:

 Reduce muscle tension & trigger points
 Improve blood flow to the injured area
 Decrease nerve irritation contributing to pain
 Restore shoulder mobility & function 

Want to learn more about how dry needling works? Check out our blog post on dry needling here.

Stabilization Exercises for Shoulder Dysfunction

In addition to hands-on treatments like dry needling, we focus on restoring proper stability to your shoulder. This includes:

 Rotator Cuff Strengthening – Building deep stability in the shoulder joint.
 Scapular Control Exercises – Teaching the shoulder blade to move correctly for better function.
 Postural Corrections – Fixing desk-job slouching that contributes to shoulder dysfunction.
 Overhead Mobility Drills – Ensuring full range of motion without compensation or pain.

Looking for exercises to improve your shoulder stability? Check out our top shoulder exercises here.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist in Wichita for Shoulder Pain?

If you have...
 Persistent shoulder pain that’s lasted more than 2 weeks
 Weakness or difficulty lifting objects overhead
 Clicking, popping, or a feeling of instability in your shoulder
 Pain that disrupts your workouts or daily activities
 Been told you need an MRI or surgery but want a second opinion

...Then it’s time to book an appointment with a Wichita physical therapist at Natural Wellness Physiotherapy.

Schedule an Evaluation Today

You don’t have to live with shoulder pain or let an MRI dictate your treatment plan. Many patients recover faster and more effectively with hands-on physical therapy and dry needling.

 Located in Wichita, KS – Serving active adults, athletes, and anyone looking for better movement and pain relief.

 Call us today at 316 290 9158 or 

Book an appointment online

 Want to read more about how we help shoulder pain? Check out our latest success stories here.