Shoulder pain can hinder you from performing everyday tasks, playing sports, or completing work or school requirements. The ache can be caused by a lot of factors, like an awkward sleeping position, muscle overuse, injury, or underlying health conditions.
It’s good to know how to effectively treat mild shoulder pain at home. That way, you can get back to your daily routine as soon as possible, and you can also avoid aggravating and worsening the pain.
Let’s talk about some self-help tips for treating shoulder pain on your own, and where you can go in Johnson County for outstanding orthopedic treatment.
What Can I Do for Shoulder Pain?
If your shoulder pain is relatively mild, you can try doing the following things to help alleviate the pain:
Rest and Activity Modification
Refrain from doing high-intensity activities using your injured shoulder. In addition, try to avoid putting weight on it or having it jostled. Use your unaffected side first if you have to do things, and put off arduous tasks until your shoulder starts to feel better.
Do Light Stretches
Some cases of shoulder pain may be caused by tense or hurting muscles or improper sleeping positions. If that’s what caused the ache in your joint, doing light stretches may relieve some of the pain. Be careful when you stretch your affected shoulder to avoid aggravating the pain – be slow and careful, and stop if the pain gets worse.
Use Heat Over the Area
If your shoulder pain is caused by stiffness or an ache in the muscles surrounding the joint, then heat therapy may be able to help alleviate the pain. The warm (not hot) water from taking a shower can help.
You can also use a heating pad, just be mindful of the temperature first before you apply the pack over your skin. If the material is too hot, let it cool down for a bit, or wrap it in a thin fabric.
If you have any swelling in your shoulder, apply cold therapy rather than heat therapy.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor for Shoulder Pain
You may want to consider going to an orthopedist if the ache:
- Is caused by an injury
- Is recurring and long-lasting
- Renders you immobile or unable to lift your arm
- Comes with bruising or deformity around the joint
- Is coupled with other seemingly unrelated symptoms, like fever or difficulty breathing
- Is severe and unbearable
Treatment for Shoulder Pain in Johnson County, KS
If you’re looking for a clinic that offers shoulder pain treatment in Merriam and Overland Park, KS, look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our world-class orthopedic doctors, call our friendly staff today at (913) 362-8317 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
