Pain on the shoulder and arm are common outpatient complaints. These common aches may be a health condition or a symptom of an underlying illness. There are many reasons why a person may complain of shoulder and arm pain therefore an accurate diagnosis of the condition must be done before treatment.
Pain anywhere in the shoulder and arm can be as minor as a positioning problem during sleep or rest and it can also be something worse. Bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is when the bursa or sac that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed. This sac may also tear as the tendons of the rotator cuff separates from the bone; this may only be corrected through surgery. A frozen shoulder is when the shoulder muscles become stiff; this may only be relieved through physical therapy. Many other severe conditions can result to shoulder and arm pain like dislocation of the shoulder bones, separation of the shoulder bones, biceps tendon rupture, labral tears, arthritis and many other conditions can result to severe pain.
Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose and advice the proper treatment for severe shoulder and arm pain. There are however several treatments that can reduce the pain and the soreness of the shoulders and the arms. Here are some of the most popular techniques:
1.Rest the shoulders and the affected arm. On the initial day of the injury or the pain, allow the inflammation to subside and immobilize the shoulder or arm. Consult a doctor immediately for severe pain, inability to move the affected part, a noticeable swelling on the affected part, fever and many other unusual symptoms.
2.Place ice or cold compresses on the initial 24 hours of the injury. You may place cold compresses every 20 minute interval.
3.After the initial 24 hours, apply warm, not hot, compress on the area. For not so severe shoulder and arm pain, you may try a warm shower or a warm bath to soothe aching muscles. Try applying ointments, liniments and medicated pads on the affected part. You may do these as much as you want to.
4.Stretching the muscles and the joints that are affected can also help reduce pain. Once injury and trauma has been ruled out, you can begin doing exercises on the shoulder and arm muscles. Consult a physical therapist for the ideal exercise stretching routines which are perfect for your condition.
5.Medications are also important in reducing pain and any inflammation. Your doctor may advice non steroidal anti inflammatory medications which are also prescribed for patients with arthritis and bursitis. Other medical experts rely on the power of cortisone injections to treat inflammation effectively.
If you wish to use herbal products, home remedies and exercise equipment to reduce shoulder and arm pain, do careful research first before trying them out. You may also consult your doctor if these treatments may be beneficial to your condition. Read consumer reports and reviews before trying out new exercise equipment or devices that claim to reduce shoulder and arm pain.