Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder joint or surrounding areas
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness or instability in the shoulder
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area
- Difficulty in performing activities requiring shoulder movement
- Pain that worsens with movement or at night
- Shoulder clicking or popping sounds
Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Rotator cuff injuries (strains, tears, tendinitis)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder dislocation
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Fractures or bone injuries
- Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
- Referred pain from other parts of the body
Treatments for Shoulder Pain
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain and allow the shoulder to rest and heal.
- Ice and heat therapy: Apply ice packs or heat packs to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Beware of any existing drug allergies!
- Physiotherapy: Specific exercises and stretches can improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Immobilisation: In some cases, immobilising the shoulder with a sling or brace may be necessary for healing.
- Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgical intervention: Severe cases, such as large rotator cuff tears or shoulder dislocations, may require surgical repair.
- Alternative therapies: Techniques like acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, or massage therapy may provide relief for some individuals.
- Lifestyle modifications: Improving posture, avoiding repetitive overhead activities, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent shoulder pain.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: If shoulder pain is caused by an underlying medical condition like arthritis or bursitis, targeted treatment for the specific condition may be necessary.
Consult a medical professional immediately when you experience extreme shoulder pain.
