Does Your Shoulder Ache?
Shoulder injuries can occur for a variety of reasons. Rotator cuff damage is one of the most common types of shoulder pain. Dislocations, fractures, sprains, strains and damage to surrounding tissues can all be contributing factors. Sometimes people suffer injuries from overuse, and in other cases, an unexpected trip or fall is enough to cause a problem. Regardless of the underlying cause, healing the damage and improving joint stability and mobility are primary concerns. In more severe cases, people might require surgery to correct the issue. However, some individuals may have minor injuries that require pain management until the shoulder is fully healed. Understanding when surgery is the best option and what pain control options are available can help individuals recover more quickly.
When surgery is necessary
Surgery is usually reserved as a last resort because any operation poses a risk of complications. Whenever possible, physicians usually recommend less invasive treatments. However, rotator cuff tears, severe forms of arthritis, extensive tissue damage in the joint, impingements, fractures, and even frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis are all standard reasons a doctor might recommend shoulder surgery.
Prioritizing pain management
Long before the road to surgery, if needed, physicians will work with patients to support pain management. For very minor injuries, the practice might involve at-home treatments. By contrast, more widespread or debilitating pain might require serious interventions that can’t be achieved through over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Knowing the possible options can help people understand whether the shoulder injury is minor or requires sustained medical care.
1. At-home treatments
For minor injuries that don’t require significant medical intervention, at-home treatment is often the best and easiest option. Solutions can range from the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to taking OTC pain relievers to manage any associated pain. Most often, at-home care can be started immediately after the injury and may be sufficient for the shoulder to heal within a few days or weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Some people might be encouraged to alternate between heat and cold therapy to help soothe the shoulder and reduce swelling or stiffness.
2. Steroid shots
When shoulder injuries take longer to heal or result in lasting pain or discomfort that limits joint function, people might be encouraged to get a steroid injection. These shots are beneficial for patients who still struggle with inflammation, helping to ease symptoms. However, individuals should understand that the treatment method only helps to control pain and doesn’t have medicinal properties to heal the injury. As a result, the application is usually offered along with other options like physical therapy. Likewise, the solution has limitations, as usually patients can only receive a limited number of shots within a given timeframe before a physician may recommend surgery as a better treatment alternative.
3. Physical therapy
Being told that physical therapy (PT) can help with pain might sound weird, but the proof is in the research. Specifically, certain stretches and exercises help reduce shoulder stiffness and improve mobility. For people who have experienced shoulder pain through improper movements, PT helps teach proper movement to prevent future injuries.
Making the choice
In most cases, the extent of the shoulder injury will dictate whether a physician recommends surgery or suggests non- or minimally invasive pain management instead. If the shoulder joint is unstable, pain doesn’t subside, or range of motion is severely limited even after sufficient time has passed, surgery might be the best option to improve joint function and quality of life.
