Do These 5 Things To Help With Your Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is very common and can be caused by a variety of conditions. It can range from mild to severe, and it may come on suddenly or gradually. The shoulder joint consists of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade).

Injuries to any of these bones, as well as muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support them, can lead to shoulder pain.

Common causes for shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears or tendonitis; impingement syndrome; bursitis; fractures or dislocations; arthritis; overuse injury; infection or inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis; and pinched nerves in the neck or shoulder.

The cause of your shoulder pain can usually be identified after a thorough physical examination and review of your medical history by your healthcare provider.

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones in the shoulder. It can occur due to overuse activities, such as repeated overhead motions like throwing a ball or lifting weights. Bursitis is an inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint called a bursa.

It’s often caused by repetitive motions. Impingement syndrome occurs when tissues around the rotator cuff become pinched between two bones in the shoulder during certain movements, such as raising your arm above your head.

Arthritis is another common cause of shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are all forms of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear on the joint; rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder; and post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury.

There are many causes of shoulder pain and we often get asked if there are things we suggest to help if someone is experiencing shoulder pain because of the reasons above, so we thought we would put together the list below to help in your treatment process to find relief for the pain you have because of shoulder pain.

5 Things That Will Help Relieve Shoulder Pain

Exercising regularly and engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial for shoulder pain. Exercise increases the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, which helps to alleviate pressure on the joint from everyday movements. Improving muscle strength also helps with overall posture, reducing strain on the shoulder and helping to reduce discomfort.

Physical therapy involves specific exercises, stretches, and other treatments designed to relieve pain in the shoulder area. The therapist may use heat or cold packs as well as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. These treatments help relax tight muscles, increase range of motion, strengthen weak muscles, and improve mobility. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need physical therapy multiple times a week over an extended period of time. However, even after a short course of physical therapy, many people find that their shoulder pain is greatly reduced or eliminated completely.

Making exercise and physical therapy a regular part of your life can be an effective way to reduce or eliminate shoulder pain. It’s important to talk with your doctor before beginning any type of exercise program to ensure you are doing the right exercises for your condition. With proper guidance from your healthcare provider, exercising and physical therapy can help alleviate your shoulder pain.

Below, we have gathered a list that should help with relieving the shoulder pain you are experiencing.

1. Exercise: Gentle exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint and reduce inflammation. Some specific exercises which may be helpful include neck rolls, arm circles, shoulder presses, and wall slides.

2. Heat Therapy: Heat therapy is a great way to increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and ease pain in the shoulder area. It can also help relax tight muscles that can contribute to shoulder pain. Applying heat packs or hot water bottles for short periods of time can provide relief from shoulder pain.

3. Posture: Poor posture is one of the common causes of shoulder pain as it puts extra strain on the muscles and joints in the shoulders, leading to inflammation in the area. Paying attention to your posture when sitting or standing can help to reduce shoulder pain.

4. Massage: Massaging the muscles in the shoulder area can help to reduce muscle tension and inflammation, as well as improve blood flow. A massage therapist can help to identify any trigger points that may be causing pain in that area and provide relief through different techniques.

5. Sleep Position: Sleeping with your shoulders elevated or in a position that does not put extra strain on them is important for shoulder pain relief. Investing in a good pillow that supports your neck and head is essential so you can maintain good posture while sleeping, reducing the risk of shoulder pain. Additionally, it is best to avoid sleeping on the affected side directly as this can worsen the pain.

Is Shoulder Pain Keeping You From Enjoying Life?

Do you have shoulder pain that is keeping you from doing the things you love?

We have had success helping our patients with shoulder pain and have been able to treat them so they are able to avoid future episodes of shoulder pain, keeping it from becoming a chronic issue.

If you are experiencing pain and want to find relief, make sure to reach out to us and we can begin the conversation on the next steps to take in your treatment.

Nobody likes to live in pain, and we know that you are looking for answers when it comes to knee pain that just won’t go away. If that sounds like you and you are ready to start the conversation on treatment for your pain, then visit us and take advantage of our shoulder pain assessment!

We have worked with many patients that suffer from knee pain and have gotten no answers on what could be causing it. Because of this, we recommend that you seek treatment as soon as possible to help you identify the problem and get back to your life pain-free.

To find out how our rehabilitative experts utilize a variety of physical therapy techniques that can help you overcome your pain and stay active, schedule a time to come see us by completing our online contact form in under 30 seconds or call our friendly team at 425-628-2031.

Unsure whether we are right for you?

We understand that you may not have visited a Physical Therapy clinic before and be unsure whether it’s going to help you deal with knee pain. That is why we invite you to come in for a Shoulder Pain Assessment.

Arrange A Shoulder Pain Assessment at one of our five locations (Bellevue, Everett, Factoria, Kirkland and Lake Stevens) today!