Shoulder pain is a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Knowing the best treatment option can be tricky if you suffer from Westfield shoulder pain. The first step in finding the best treatment is to visit your doctor. The doctor will perform an exam and recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to determine the cause of your shoulder pain.
Once the cause of your shoulder pain has been determined, you can discuss treatment options with your doctor. Some of the most common treatments for shoulder pain include:
Exercise therapy and rehabilitation
Exercise therapy can help relieve pain in your shoulders. It can also increase your range of motion, improve strength, and build up your endurance to perform everyday activities without experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort. Rehabilitation is another way to prevent future problems with your shoulder. It involves taking care of the muscles around your shoulder joint with specific exercises designed to strengthen those muscles while improving their flexibility and range of motion.
Medication
Some medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint area of your shoulders, which reduces pain and discomfort caused by dislocation or subluxation (a partial dislocation). These medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Your doctor may also prescribe you analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Doctors may sometimes use antispasmodics such as diclofenac to relieve your pain.
Icing
Icing is a non-invasive method that involves applying an ice pack to a painful area. The application of ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation in your joints, especially in your shoulders, which reduces pain and makes it easier to move.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another treatment that may help with shoulder pain. It involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Acupuncture has been shown to help with conditions such as arthritis and back pain. It is one of the treatment options your doctor might try if you experience any shoulder injury or discomfort.
Heat therapy
Heat therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for shoulder pain. It is a form of massage that involves heating pads, hot water bottles, and other devices placed on the affected area of your body to relieve inflammation and soreness. Physicians can use heat therapy on the upper back, neck, lower back, thighs, and abdomen.
Heat therapy may also be used as part of a general exercise program. For example, if you suffer from pain in your shoulders while playing tennis or racquetball, you may choose to do some resistance training exercises like pushups or sit-ups while wearing a heating pad on your upper back and neck. That will help improve your muscle tone and strength without causing additional strain on your joints or muscles.
There are many causes of shoulder pain, and it is important to address them. A complete exam and thorough evaluation are essential in determining the cause of your pain and the best treatment options. See a chiropractor immediately if you have persistent shoulder pain that doesn’t go away. Call or visit Eric Whitehouse, DC and schedule an appointment to discover more about shoulder pain.
