Effective Treatments for Shoulder Pain

 

Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions. Whatever the reason for your shoulder pain, it can be debilitating and affect your daily activities. If you're looking for effective treatments for shoulder pain, there are several options available depending on the severity and underlying cause of your pain. In this blog, we'll discuss some of the most effective treatments for shoulder pain and how they can help you get back to your daily routine.

 

1. Rest and Physical Therapy

The first step in treating shoulder pain is typically rest and physical therapy. Resting the shoulder joint and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help reduce inflammation in the affected area. Physical therapy can then help strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion, so the shoulder can heal properly.

2. Medications

For mild to moderate shoulder pain, over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Injections

If rest and medication alone don't provide relief, your doctor may suggest corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation, or hyaluronic acid injections to improve the joint’s mobility and lubrication.

4. Arthroscopic Surgery

For certain conditions such as rotator cuff tears or labral tears that do not improve with other treatments, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery. This procedure involves small incisions in the shoulder where a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted to diagnose and treat issues within the joint.

5. Joint Replacement Surgery  

Replacement surgery is typically reserved for severe joint damage or advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure involves replacing the worn-out shoulder joint with an artificial joint to restore function and relieve pain. However, there are risks to surgery and it may not always be advisable.

 

Conclusion

Shoulder pain can affect anyone at any age, but it doesn't have to limit your mobility or quality of life. Rest and physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery are all options available to manage pain and improve shoulder function. At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, we believe that each patient’s journey to recovery is unique. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, FL, our team is available to help you identify the treatment best suited for your needs, preferences, and goals. Contact our office for more information on how we can help you get back to your active lifestyle.