Welcome back to ShoulderWise, the podcast where clarity, strength, and care come together for every shoulder journey. In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Szerlip tackles one of the questions patients ask most: "Can physical therapy really fix my shoulder?"

He breaks down common myths around physical therapy, including why being strong doesn’t always mean your shoulder is healthy, and how even the most active people can develop imbalances that lead to pain. Dr. Ben Szerlip shares the science behind the 17 muscles that keep the shoulder working, discusses the role of mindset and habits in recovery, and dives into the value of small, consistent changes over time.

You’ll also hear about the mistakes people often make in rehab, when physical therapy might not be enough, and how new advances like PRP and stem cell treatments fit into a comprehensive care plan. With real-life patient stories and plenty of actionable advice, this episode is your guide to understanding how physical therapy, proper expectations, and a supportive mindset can empower you toward stronger, pain-free shoulders.

So whether you’re an athlete, someone recovering from an injury, or just want to keep your shoulders healthy as you age, tune in for expert insights and inspiration to keep you moving forward, ShoulderWise.

00:00 Teaching Self-Sufficiency Through Therapy

03:35 Value of Health Maintenance

06:26 Shoulder Blade Mobility Exercises

11:43 Common Injuries and Recovery Therapy

13:07 Therapy vs. Surgical Intervention Insights

17:02 "PRP: Healing with Platelets"

21:58 "Power of Daily Improvement"

23:36 "Systems Over Goals"

29:03 Unexpected Healing Through Perseverance

31:48 Patient Empowerment in Medical Decisions

34:53 "Building Trust as a Doctor"

37:17 "Shoulder Therapy Insights"

Dr. Ben Szerlip - https://drbenszerlip.com/

Show Website - https://shoulderwise.com/

Dr. Ben Szerlip's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-szerlip-456b6763/

Podcast Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”