What exactly is the shoulder joint?
The shoulder joint is quite marvellous; it enables movement of an arm throughout most of the possible ranges. It is a spherical socket joint, which means that the top of the arm bone (the humerus) sits in a socket (the glenoid cavity) in the shoulder blade (the scapula). One can also find the collar bone (the clavicle) in this region. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments provide stability and give mobility such that one can do anything from lifting weights to trying to get something at the highest rack in the kitchen.
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How Do Shoulder Injuries Happen?
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So, how do shoulder joints and rotator cuffs get hurt?
Shoulder injuries are usually the result of either too much wear and tear or a sudden impact. The rotator cuff—those muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder stable—tends to get the brunt of it. Whether it’s throwing a ball too hard, lifting something heavy, or just getting older, your shoulder can end up strained, torn, or inflamed. And yeah, even sleeping in a weird position can mess it up.
When Should You See a Doctor?
When should you go see a doctor?
If your shoulder pain is making it hard to move your arm, or if it’s not getting better after a few days, it’s time to see a doctor. Also, if you notice swelling, redness, or if your shoulder looks out of place, don’t wait. Get it checked out. Pain that wakes you up at night or any weakness in the arm is also a sign something more serious might be going on.
What Can You Do About It?
What types of therapies can help fix shoulder problems?
There are a few ways to treat shoulder pain, depending on what’s causing it:
· 1. Physical Therapy: Shoulder pain is an ailment that most doctors will address through the course of physical therapy. Most people may dismiss it as lying on a table and having somebody massage them, which is also pleasurable. But, the goal of physical therapy is to restore functional mobility of the shoulder through exercises. These exercises are supposed to enhance the range of motion of the shoulder and also build strength in the muscles around it. It is like physical activity training but one is not running to a where the shoulder is being conditioned for the colossal load. To begin with, you could engage in rather simple stretching exercises specifically shoulder stretches like reaching a hand across the body or shoulder rolls. In more advanced position you would also work with resistance bands or light dumbells. Even though it may seem rather drafty at the beginning, be patient; these are the exercises that will help you understand what you need to do to have a shoulder without pain.
· 2. Medications: If your shoulder is bothering you, usually the first step in treatment comes from your own medicine cabinet. The medicated painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually form your closest allies in this approach. The non invasive approach is voltaren gel extra strength. It decreases the inflammation and eases the sore feeling. However keep in mind, these are only cure for the symptoms and not the problem itself. In the event that the neck or shoulder continues to plaige you even after you have taken a few tablets, it suggests that it may be time to look for alternative remedies. And hey, if you ever find yourself stuck and not know what to take, it isn’t a bad idea to talk to your doctor.
· 3. Cortisone Shots: If your shoulder pain has reached the level that is utterly hampering the activities you perform—a scenario where sleeping, or raising your arm is an unfathomable thought—then your doctor may recommend a shot of cortisone. That is actually one such treatment that works for shoulder problems. Cortisone is one of those anti-inflammatory drugs whose injection is directly done in the joint. It’s like giving your shoulder a direct line to relief. And the upside is that for most patients suffering with shoulder pain, a cortisone injection is usually able to bring them back to business almost the very next day. The down side? This is not a solution that lasts forever. The effects can wear off, and you might need another shot down the line. Also, there is a limit to how many shots are safe to have. Still, it is a good option if you are suffering a lot of pain.
· 4. Surgery: In all honesty, the word “surgery” is not popular with anyone, although most of the times it is the only alternative available. In case of a full scale rotator cuff tears or a recurrent shoulder dislocation, surgical management may become necessary. The surgical management for shoulder problems includes those that are minimally invasive like scapulothoracic arthroscopy that takes little time to recover to the more durable surgical options. Shoulder surgery and recovery cannot be said to be a walk in the park, because wearing a sling for some time followed by rehabilitation therapy for strength and motion becomes mandatory. But for Mr. Wang and many others like him, surgery is the step that makes it possible once again to lead a life free of stress and discomfort from the shoulders.
So, that’s the lowdown. Start with some gentle exercises, but if things don’t improve or get worse, seeing a doctor is definitely the next step. Don’t push through the pain—your shoulder’s too important for that.
