Shoulder Pain – Causes and Treatment Shoulder pain refers to any pain that arises in and around your shoulder. Most issues relating to the shoulder involve the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The problems are generally categorized as •
Tendinitis/bursitis
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Injury/instability
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Arthritis
The condition can occur due to an injury, strain, trauma, slips and falls, poor posture and repetitive joint movement. Certain degenerative conditions and other pathologies within the body can also cause tendinitis. Shoulder pain can range from mild to severe and conditions that cause the pain include the following:
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Frozen shoulder - the muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside the shoulder become stiff, making movement difficult and painful
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Torn cartilage
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Tennis shoulder
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Synovitis
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Sports injuries
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Shoulder separation
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Repetitive shoulder joint movement
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Overuse or injury of nearby tendons, such as the bicep muscles of the arms
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Impingement
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Dislocation or instability of shoulder bone
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Poor posture
Chronic pain can seriously affect the ligaments, tendons, cartilage or bones in the shoulder joint, seriously restricting a person’s mobility and independence. Treating Shoulder Pain Finding the source of the problem is essential to determine the right treatment method. At a professional healthcare center, the orthopedist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to find the root cause of your shoulder pain. This will include an evaluation of your medical history and a physical exam. Diagnostic modalities such as X-ray and MRI may be used to study the joint, surrounding muscles and tendons, and tissues. Physical therapists, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals would also play their role in determining treatment and helping in pain management. A combination of techniques and modalities may be used to ease pain and improve the movement and flexibility of the joint. Some of these treatment approaches are
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS involves the use of a low-voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system to reduce acute pain.
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Ice and Heat Application – This is one of the most commonly used treatments for shoulder aches. Applying ice packs reduces swelling and heat application helps to relax and loosen tissues, and stimulate blood flow to the area.
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Massage Therapy – This treatment modality helps increase range of motion and resolve strain associated with an injury by increasing the supply of fresh blood to your muscles.
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Ultrasound – Ultrasound waves heat the soft tissues and reduce aches, muscle spasms, thereby promoting healing.
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Exercise – Physical therapy exercises improve shoulder functioning by increasing strength and range of motion. This approach involves different therapeutic programs such as gentle strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises that help to improve normal function and movement of joints.
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Myofascial Release Therapy – This modality involves the stretching of the fascia to release muscular shortness and tightness.
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Traction – This method relieves pressure on the nerves, thereby reducing chronic pain.
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Anti-inflammation medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, muscle relaxants, and other medicines help better manage pain.
In addition to the above, patients are provided rehabilitation and injury prevention education to help them to effectively manage existing pain and prevent future shoulder injuries.
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