The shoulder is a joint we use every day, even in ways we don’t realize. You’re utilizing your shoulder joint, whether you’re reaching for something above your head, stretching your arms, or carrying an object from one place to another. When our patients begin to develop shoulder pain, they quickly realize they cannot live their lives to the fullest.
Many patients wonder whether there is a way to keep shoulder pain away for good. Let’s discuss how you can prevent shoulder pain from entering your life when you should seek a doctor to alleviate your shoulder pain once and for all in Kansas City.
Keep Your Shoulder Strong
One of the best ways to keep shoulder pain away is to keep your shoulder strong. This means exercising the muscles around your shoulder regularly to keep them healthy and prevent them from weakening. Exercising your shoulders doesn’t have to mean intense strength training. Instead, you can strengthen your shoulders with low-impact exercises at the gym or at home. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider seeing a physical therapist. They’ll be able to provide you with the tools you need to keep your shoulder strong.
Massage Your Shoulder Regularly
Another way to keep shoulder pain at bay is to massage the muscles around the shoulders regularly. Massaging the muscles around the shoulder joint relaxes them, reducing inflammation and tightness around the joint itself. Regular massages also improve lymphatic drainage, which boosts your overall immune system. Consider asking a friend, family member, or loved one to massage your shoulder for a few minutes once a week. A self-massage is just as beneficial if you don’t have someone to help.
Consider Anti-Inflammatories if You’re in Pain
If you’re starting to feel pain in your shoulder, you need not worry. Consider taking some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories throughout the day to reduce this pain and help the muscles in your shoulder heal. You must rest the area and apply ice and heat to further reduce any inflammation that may be causing your discomfort. You can also ask your doctor about shoulder pain relief tips that you can do at home to prevent coming in for a visit.
When to See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain persists for more than two weeks, you should see an orthopedic specialist. If you find your shoulder pain is consistent over a two-week period or is rapidly worsening, your shoulder pain may be caused by an underlying condition. A medical professional will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to ensure your shoulder pain gets resolved.
Shoulder Pain Treatment in Kansas City
Oftentimes, shoulder pain can go away with home remedies. However, there are some circumstances in which shoulder pain is caused by a condition that needs to be addressed with a surgical procedure. If you’re looking for shoulder pain treatment in Kansas City, look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics. Our team of board-certified orthopedic specialists is eager to provide you with the highest quality care you deserve.
To learn about our orthopedic services, call us today at (913) 362-8317. You may also use our convenient online appointment request form to book a consultation with our orthopedic surgeons.
