Shoulder Pain Relief Available! Shoulder pain can be nagging and there is a lot of bad advice on what to do about it. The shoulder is a very flexible joint. It is a ball and socket joint. The socket is very small and the ball on the arm bone (humerus) is large. It is sort of a like a golf ball on a tee. This gives you a lot of flexibility so you can reach behind your back for your belt or reach overhead to do your hair. However, all this flexibility means if it gets weak, it can easily be unstable. This creates pain in the shoulder. For example, as we age the muscle on the top of the shoulder (deltoid) gets strong and the rotator cuff gets weaker as you move and do less. The result is a “pinching” of the arm bone and the bone at the top of the shoulder (see illustration). This is a common problem called impingement syndrome. What does impingement syndrome feel like? It feels like a generalized ache in the shoulder in the earlier stages. It causes pain when patients reach their arms up overhead, especially with the palm turned down. Most of these folks complain of pain in the shoulder at night when they try to sleep, especially when they roll on the sore shoulder. Another sign of shoulder impingement is a pain in the shoulder when patients try to reach into their back pocket or reach behind for their bra fastener. As the syndrome goes on, the pain and discomfort get worse. The shoulder may become stiffer. Patients may feel a “catch” develop in their shoulder. Weakness and losing the ability to raise the arm may indicate a serious rotator cuff problem. What does it take to get your shoulder feeling better again? Conservative treatment is usually indicated first. The doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Therapy sessions can prove very helpful, especially if caught early. Typically, if it is very early on, we use ice if the shoulder is inflamed. If it has been going on for months or longer it’s probably more of a tissue degeneration problem and we typically use heat. We stretch particular muscles that are tight. We also use strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff muscles that are weak. The overall affect is to restore balance of the shoulder joint so it operates smoothly, not being pulled in one direction which irritates the joint. We also may use electrical stimulation to ease pain or strengthen muscles. Lastly, we try to teach the patient how the joint works so they can avoid the impingement syndrome from reoccurring. Posture is important too! If conservative treatment fails, the doctor may also try a cortisone injection or surgery to correct the problem. The goal of surgery is to create space in the shoulder joint and reduce the impingement. If the patient ends up requiring surgery, they will need to follow-up with therapy to help the healing process of the shoulder joint. We can create a program of stretching and strengthening of the shoulder muscles and tendons that suits. TIPS TO AVOID THE IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME In order to help keep the shoulder healthy and avoid impingement syndrome, here are a few suggestions: • Avoid excessive overhead work, if you are able. • If you have to do overhead work, try to take breaks or do work occasionally below shoulder level during your shift or work at home. • Get a stepladder instead of reaching far overhead. • If your shoulder gets sore after activities, try ice first. If this fails, try heat. In either case, don’t overdo either ice or heat. Once or twice a day for 15 minutes will do. • Stretching of the shoulder can help keep the tissues healthy. If you feel your shoulder is getting tight, give us a call for a free screening/consultation. • Take medicine only in moderation, as your doctor recommends. Excessive amounts of anti-inflammatories or Tylenol can cause serious problems with your stomach, liver and kidneys. • Instead of overdoing medicine, see us for help or talk to your doctor about your problem. • If you feel you have shoulder pain that is not going away, give us a call. You will be glad you did. We can help you take control of your problem. Call 301-759-4263 and get some relief. Try therapy first at TriState Hand, Foot and Ankle Therapy. |
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