Shoulder pain can limit your range of motion, disrupt your sleep, and diminish your ability to perform daily tasks. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, injuries, and overuse.
If you are suffering from debilitating shoulder pain and are hesitant about undergoing surgery or simply want to explore nonsurgical treatment options, this blog is for you.
Here, we will delve into the world of nonsurgical treatment options for shoulder pain relief. Additionally, we will also mention where you can go for treatment in and around Kansas City.
Rest
This is one of the best ways to relieve your shoulder pain. If you keep pushing through the pain, your pain will increase. However, if you take rest and give your shoulder enough time to heal, your pain will definitely reduce.
Light exercise is still important when resting. Wearing a shoulder brace can help reduce pain while doing light exercise during the recovery process.
Icing
Icing can provide a significant amount of relief from shoulder pain regardless of the type of pain you have. The cooling effect of the ice packs reduces the swelling of the shoulder and numbs the pain.
To relieve your shoulder pain, put an ice pack or cold compress on it for 15 minutes and then leave it off for 15 minutes. Do this approximately 3 to 4 times a day for at least 2 to 3 consecutive days.
Heating
Shoulder pain caused by shoulder stiffness or tensed muscles responds well to heat as the heat can relax the tensed muscles and soothe shoulder stiffness.
Apply a heating pad, heated gel pack, or hot water bottle on your shoulder on and off to find relief.
Oral Medications
Oral medications like over-the-counter ibuprofen and naproxen can also ease pain and reduce swelling for mild to moderate shoulder pain.
For tensed muscles or muscles spasm, an orthopedic doctor can prescribe muscle relaxants like tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, or baclofen. So, visit an orthopedic doctor who can figure out the cause of your shoulder pain and prescribe these medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a highly recommended and effective way to ease shoulder pain. Physical therapy exercises not only help reduce pain but also improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
A physical therapy plan developed by a physical therapist may include a combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapies.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids refer to a group of drugs with potent anti-inflammatory properties. To relieve your shoulder pain, your orthopedic doctor may inject a corticosteroid drug into your painful shoulder. The effect of corticosteroid injections lasts up to several months before it wears off.
Shoulder Pain in Kansas City
If you have consistent shoulder pain that disrupts your daily life and activities, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.
At Midwest Orthopaedics, we have a team of board-certified orthopedic doctors who have built an excellent reputation for providing lasting relief from musculoskeletal system pain including shoulder pain. Our shoulder doctors thoroughly evaluate shoulder conditions, pinpoint the cause of the pain, and develop an individualized treatment plan, which may include nonsurgical or surgical treatments.
Want to know more about the treatments we offer? Make an appointment with our doctor by calling us at (913) 362-8317 or using our secure online appointment request form.
