Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is the discomfort or pain around or in the shoulder joint. Unlike other joints, the shoulder joint is the most movable joint of your body. There are a group of four different muscles and associated tendons, collectively known as the rotator cuff, which provides your shoulder with a wide range of mobility. 

Damage due to trauma, inflammation, or changes in the bone structure around your rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain. You might experience this pain while lifting the arm above your head or moving your arm in forward and back motion.

Signs & Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

There are several causes of pain or discomfort in the shoulder area. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Pain in the back and the front side of the shoulder, in the shoulder joint, and upper areas of the arm. Sometimes, this pain is more of a catching pain. The kind of pain and location depends on the structure which is causing it.
• Limited movement of the shoulder
• Dislocation of the shoulder or the sensation of the shoulder joint slipping out and back into the socket joint (depending on the condition)
• Weakness in the upper arm and shoulder
• Redness and warmth in the affected area
• Pins and needles sensation and sharp, burning pain
• A grinding, popping or clicking sensation during arm movement.

Symptoms may be due to more complicated, long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, swelling and pain in the shoulders are common occurrences.

Sometimes, shoulder pain is attributed to overuse of muscles or injury. Minor shoulder pain can develop into chronic pain if symptoms are left untreated for extended periods. The pain can increase in intensity, restricting regular shoulder movements.

Treatments for Shoulder Pain

Treatment for shoulder pain includes the management of all symptoms, different physical therapies, and surgery.  Dr. Przybysz can prescribe one or a combination of the following methods to treat shoulder pain, depending on the severity of the problem. 

• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment that involves various exercises and modification of activities that increases pain. These exercises work on issues such as weakness and stiffness. Physiotherapy also involves retraining movements related to everyday activities or sports so that the patient can perform them efficiently without putting extra stress on the shoulder. 

• Occupational therapy: If the frequent bouts of shoulder pain make everyday activities a hassle, an occupational therapist can help manage the pain. They can help relearn new and better ways to carry out day-to-day activities, including driving, dressing, working on a computer, or bathing. They can also suggest some equipment to make daily life easier with shoulder pain. 

• Cold and hot packs: Hot packs and ice packs can relieve stiffness and pain. 

• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and low dosages of anti-inflammatory medication can help in pain management to restore the normal functioning of the shoulder. In case of kidney or cardiac issues, it is better to consult a physician before taking these medications.

• Joint Injections: Joint injections can be performed to reduce pain and inflammation directly

In more severe cases that do not respond to these first-line therapies, surgery may be indicated by Dr. Przybysz who will work with you and your surgeon to continue pain management protocols. 

Lasting Relief From Shoulder Pain

We know how hard life can be when you’re in pain. Seeking help from Dr. Przybysz at Monarch Pain Management is the first step in conquering your pain. We’ll work with you and your other healthcare providers to ensure a proper diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you.

Connect with us now to book an appointment and reclaim your life with less pain.