Chronic Shoulder Pain That Won't Go Away: Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Chronic Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain that has lasted months, through rest, injections or other treatments, often involves more than the shoulder itself: the upper back, shoulder blade and how you load the tendons all play a part. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we combine Mulligan shoulder and upper back techniques, taping and, for persistent pain, Pain Release Phenomenon with a structured strengthening plan.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of chronic shoulder pain

Shoulder pain for three months or more
Pain lifting the arm, especially between shoulder and head height
Night pain that disturbs sleep
Pain that returns whenever you go back to the gym or work
Previous treatments helped only briefly

What causes it

Long-standing shoulder pain often comes from rotator cuff tendons and the area above them being repeatedly overloaded. Stiffness in the upper back, shoulder blade control and gaps in strength keep the cycle going.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We review what has and hasn't worked, then assess the shoulder, neck, upper back and shoulder blade. We test shoulder and thoracic glides to see which ones make lifting easier during the visit.

Mulligan techniques we use

Shoulder MWM. A gentle glide at the shoulder while you lift your arm.
Thoracic SNAGs. Glides on the upper back. A 2024 trial found adding them to exercise improved shoulder pain and function.
Mulligan shoulder taping. Tape to hold the glide between visits.
Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP). Sustained, gentle pressure or contraction held until the pain eases. In Mulligan care PRP means Pain Release Phenomenon, not platelet rich plasma. Used only for pain lasting more than six weeks.

What the research says

In a 2024 trial of 74 people with shoulder impingement, adding thoracic SNAGs to exercise improved pain, function and movement more than exercise alone. A shoulder taping trial found MWM plus taping kept gains better than MWM alone. Reviews rate the shoulder evidence as low certainty, so we treat Mulligan as part of a strengthening program.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy and taping, progressive tendon loading, shoulder blade and upper back strengthening, and a return to your work or sport.

How long recovery takes

Long-standing shoulder pain usually needs 8 to 12 weeks of consistent work.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Shoulder pain with chest pain or shortness of breath: call 911
Sudden loss of strength after a fall or lift
Fever or a hot, swollen shoulder
Numbness or weakness down the arm
Unexplained weight loss

Chronic shoulder pain treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my shoulder pain go away?

Often the tendons have not been loaded gradually enough, and the upper back and shoulder blade still need work.

What is PRP in physical therapy?

In Mulligan care, PRP means Pain Release Phenomenon: sustained, gentle pressure held until the pain fades. It is not platelet rich plasma.

Do I need surgery?

Many people improve with a structured rehab program. Research has found surgery often gives no better result for this kind of shoulder pain.

Will cortisone injections help?

They can ease pain short term. Long-term improvement usually depends on strengthening.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.