Are you ignoring the pain in your shoulder? Well, it’s time to pay attention to what your shoulder is trying to tell you. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints of the body. As a result, it is prone to lasting injuries. Shoulder problems tend to develop slowly through repetitive movements, while everyday stress and intensive routines can also play a role. Those most likely to experience shoulder injuries are athletes. However, shoulder injuries can happen to anyone and unfortunately, shoulder pain is more likely as we age. So, if you experience shoulder pain, it’s time to listen up. Here’s what your pain is trying to tell you and how to treat it.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Most injuries to the shoulder involve tears, dislocations and fractures of the tendons, muscles and/or ligaments. Common causes of shoulder pain include:
Bursitis: The bursae are the cushions between our bones and connective tissues and bursitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can flare up and recede over a few months. This condition is recognized as affecting more people than initially understood and is caused by overuse and repetitive overhead motion that causes fluid to collect.
Rotator Cuff Tear: The rotator cuff comprises tendons and muscles holding the shoulder together, allowing us to lift our arms and reach overhead. This area of the shoulder is prone to injury, which individuals tend to ignore, causing the problem to increase. When there is an injury, total return to function is challenging to recover.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease of the shoulder, a gradual mechanical breakdown of the cartilage and other joint issues. Symptoms may include pain in the shoulder joint, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the shoulder and can lead to serious injury if not addressed.
The Dangers of Ignoring Shoulder Pain
Shoulder joints can move or are sometimes forced out of the natural position; this condition is known as instability and can result in a dislocation of one or more joints in the shoulder. Impingement is caused by excessive rubbing of the muscles against the shoulder blade’s top part (acromion). Ignoring shoulder pain can create a more significant problem, such as reduced range of motion, often requiring surgical repair.
What are the Signs of Shoulder Injury?
- Difficulty lifting your shoulder or reaching behind your back.
- Weakness in the arm or inability to move the joint.
- Swelling, bruising, or redness.
- Loss of range of motion or stiffness.
- Trouble sleeping due to discomfort or pain.
- Radiating pain in the front, back, or side of the shoulder.
- Your shoulder feels like it is “locking up” or “clicking.”
How to Treat Shoulder Pain and Injury
Paying attention to what your shoulder is telling you is an essential step to treating and relieving shoulder pain and preventing the injury from becoming a severe problem that requires surgery.
Here at ViscoGen™, we offer various non-surgical treatments for shoulder pain in the Orlando area, including Class IV Laser Therapy, lubricating injections and physical therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to non-surgical procedures for shoulder pain. In addition, our team specializes in locating the source of the injury, developing a custom treatment plan and helping our clients rid themselves of pain. Contact us today to get started.
