Shoulder Pain Treatment

• Sprains and strains: A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments (tissues that connect adjacent bones in a joint). It is a common injury and usually occurs when you fall or suddenly twist. A strain is stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon (tissues that connect muscle to bone) and are usually caused by twisting or pulling.
• Dislocations: A shoulder dislocation is an injury that occurs when the ends of the bone is forced out of its position. It is often caused by a fall or direct blow to the joint.
• Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of a tendon, a tissue that connects muscles to bone. This occurs as a result of injury or overuse.
• Bursitis: It is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called bursa that protects and cushions your joints. Bursitis can be caused by chronic overuse, injury, arthritis, gout or infection.
• Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together. Rotator cuff injuries often cause a decreased range of motion.
• Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone that commonly occurs as a result of injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of shoulder arthritis, characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint.

In addition to pain, you may experience stiffness, restricted movements, difficulty in performing routine activities, and popping sensation.

The cause of your shoulder pain is diagnosed by conducting a thorough medical and physical examination. Specific tests such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans, electromyography (to tests nerve function) and arthroscopy (shoulder joint is viewed with a camera inserted through a small incision) may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Early treatment is necessary to prevent serious shoulder injuries. The immediate mode of treatment recommended for shoulder injuries is R.I.C.E.:

• • • Rest: Decrease or avoid the activities that worsen the pain.
    • Ice: Apply ice packs over the painful area to decrease swelling.
    • Compression: Wrap the shoulder with an elastic bandage or compress it with the help of a stocking to minimize the swelling and support the shoulder.
    • Elevation: Elevate the injured area above heart level to decrease swelling and pain.

Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to help reduce the swelling and pain for the first couple days. Following the first few days after an acute injury, Tylenol is a better pain medication so the body has the chance to start healing itself. Anti-inflammatories block the healing cascade the body naturally produces.

Certain exercises may be recommended to strengthen shoulder muscles and regain shoulder movement based on the type and severity of injury.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a natural method of treating pain, which can be employed along with usual treatment methods to accelerate recovery of shoulder pain.

Prolotherapy is also options to consider in certain situations.

Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments do not work, if there are full-thickness tears, or certain fractures/dislocations are present. OMT can also be used as an adjunct to accelerate the healing process post-operatively.