Shoulder pain is a common complaint in patients seen by physical therapists. The shoulder joint can be injured through overuse, trauma, degenerative changes, and even infection. If you have shoulder pain in Glen Rock, New Jersey, you should consider seeing Dr. Steven Ferrer for some treatment. Many people don’t usually go for treatment when they have shoulder pain.
In this article, we will discuss some of the treatments used for different types of shoulder pain that may be caused by injury or pathology, which include:
Pain Medication
One of the treatments for shoulder pain is taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. These drugs work by reducing inflammation and easing pain. Pain medication is a short-term treatment option for shoulder pain, but you should consult a doctor if the pain from the injury gets worse with time.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the most common treatment for shoulder pain in Glen Rock, New Jersey. Physical therapy for shoulder pain may help improve range of motion and function, while decreasing pain. The goal is to restore muscle strength, flexibility, neuromuscular control, endurance, coordination, symmetry of movement, body mechanics/posture awareness, and functional shoulder motion. Physical therapy for shoulder pain may be used in conjunction with other treatment options such as NSAIDs or shots.
Heat and Cold Therapy
A common treatment for shoulder pain is applying heat or cold. The heat helps decrease pain and inflammation, while cold reduces swelling. A physical therapist may be the one who applies the hot/cold pack on your shoulder. These treatments are usually given after a physical therapy session has finished, to help loosen up tight muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
Shoulder Surgery
Surgery is usually the last treatment option for people with shoulder pain. Shoulder surgery does not guarantee a successful outcome because of the complex nature of the rotator cuff. Post-op therapy is essential after shoulder surgery to prevent stiffness and scar tissue formation. Dr. Ferrer can help provide an effective post-op protocol to ensure a successful outcome of any type of shoulder surgery.
There are two main types of surgery to treat shoulder pain: open and arthroscopic.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery from this type of surgery includes wearing a sling for four to six weeks and having physical therapy after the shoulder has healed. This type of surgery is more invasive and usually requires a longer recovery time than arthroscopic surgery.
Open surgery may be used to repair the rotator cuff, labral tear, or joint damaged by arthritis. Surgery for shoulder pain is not always successful, and many people may still need physical therapy even after having this procedure.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses fiber optic technology. It is usually less invasive than open surgery and requires a shorter recovery time. Arthroscopy can repair or remove damaged tissue in the shoulder joint. This type of surgery aims to restore function while decreasing pain.
In Glen Rock, New Jersey, shoulder pain is a common condition that affects many people. There are various treatment options available to help correct the root cause of the pain. With proper diagnosis and treatment with physical therapy, you can feel better with shoulder pain.
