If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, there are a few things you can do to ease the burden. First, see your doctor if the pain is severe or if it’s been ongoing for more than six months. If your doctor diagnoses you with shoulder arthritis or another serious condition, then surgery might be the only option. A conservative approach such as physical therapy and exercise may be more effective in resolving your shoulder pain without having to go through surgery.
The Definition of Shoulder Pain
There is no one definitive answer to the question of how many people suffer from shoulder pain. A 2006 study in the journal Spine found that up to 80% of people who experience shoulder pain report some form of dysfunction.
So what is shoulder pain, and what causes it? The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint located at the upper end of the arm. It allows you to raise your arm overhead and rotate your arm around its axis. The shoulder blade, which is attached to the upper arm bone, articulates with the upper arm bone (the humerus). The rotator cuff muscles and other tendons make up the capsule surrounding the joint.
Injuries or problems that can cause shoulder pain include:
Rotator cuff tears – These can be caused by physical activity, such as throwing a ball, or by overuse due to arthritis. Tears in the rotator cuff muscle can lead to pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Shoulder impingement – This occurs when one or more of the cartilage pads that cushion the shoulder blade rubs against another part of the body (such as a rib), causing inflammation and pain.
Types of Shoulder Pain
Conservative non-surgical approaches are often the best first step for shoulder pain relief. In most cases, they can provide long-term relief and often don’t require surgery.
The following are three types of conservative shoulder pain relief:
1) Taping: Taping is a common conservative approach for shoulder pain relief. It involves using a bandage or adhesive to secure the shoulder joint in place. This can help reduce pressure on the joint and relieve pain.
2) Cold Packs: Cold packs can also be a helpful conservative approach for shoulder pain relief. They work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the shoulder area. This can help relieve pain and reduce the need for surgery or other treatments.
3) Bracing: Bracing is another common conservative approach for shoulder pain relief. It involves wearing a device or garment that supports the shoulder joint. This can help reduce pressure on the joint and alleviate pain.
Conservative Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
There are many conservative non-surgical treatment options for shoulder pain, and each offers its own unique benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy may also help to restore range of motion and improve function. However, these treatments should not be used long-term because they can cause other medical problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying cause of the shoulder pain, but this is a last resort and should only be considered if other treatments fail.
The Procedure
If you’re looking for a non-surgical approach to shoulder pain relief, try conservative treatments like exercise and rest. “Conservative treatments are preferred over surgery because they have a lower incidence of complications and are less expensive,” said Dr. Spencer. “Most people can get significant relief from conservative treatments.”
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, conservative treatment options for shoulder pain include physical therapy, exercise, and rest. Physical therapy may include range of motion exercises, using a foam roller to massage the shoulder, and using hot packs or cold packs on the shoulder. Exercise may involve gentle stretching and aerobic activity such as walking or swimming. Rest may involve avoiding overhead activities, taking ibuprofen or other pain relievers before activities, and sleeping on your side with your arm near your body.
Post-operative Care
If you’re looking for relief from shoulder pain, consider a conservative non-surgical approach. Here are four tips to help ease your post-operative discomfort:
1. Rest: Give your body time to heal and recover after surgery. Don’t overexert yourself; allow yourself plenty of time to get back to your normal routine.
2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to your sore shoulder every few hours throughout the day. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation and speed the healing process.
3. elevation: Keeping your shoulder elevated will help reduce inflammation and swelling and promote better blood flow. Place a pillow under your arm to elevate it slightly off the bed or table.
4. massage: A light massage can also provide relief from post-operative shoulder pain. Ask your doctor or therapist about specific techniques that are effective for you.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a non-surgical shoulder pain relief option, then a conservative approach might be the best solution for you. Conservative treatments like physical therapy and massage can help to restore range of motion and improve Abbey muscle function, which can often help to alleviate pain. If these methods are not providing relief, however, there is always the option of surgery. However, before making any decisions about surgery or other invasive procedures, it is important to speak with your physician about your individual case and see if a conservative approach would be a better fit for you.