The shoulder, which is known as a ball-and-socket joint, is a highly complicated joint system that’s made up from bones such as the humerus, collarbone, and scapula.
The pain in this joint can stem from several reasons such as frozen shoulder, pinched nerves, dislocation, joint instability, strain, and tendonitis, etc. Besides, conditions like arthritis can also have a severe impact on your shoulder.
In short, injuries are one of the biggest reasons for shoulder pain, which can occur due to repetitive movement, playing outdoor games, and while carrying out intense physical activities.
And since it’s such a complicated joint system that is accountable for a wide range of functions, it’s quite natural that injuries to it can prevent you from performing your favorite activities.
Advertisement
In other words, when you face any problem with your shoulder, it not only causes pain and discomfort but it also affects the functioning of your upper body parts like arms, hands, and neck, etc.
If you injure your shoulder, it becomes difficult for you to move your arm up and down, which means if you need to pick something up from the floor, you won’t be able to do that.
According to CT Physical Therapy Care, “Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that up to 67 percent of people will experience at some time during their life. Just everyday pushing, reaching and pulling can take a toll on the shoulder.”
Here’s How to Treat Shoulder Pain
You can heal your shoulder pain in a variety of ways such as by taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicines, and surgeries; however, if you are looking forward to seeking a drug-free treatment, then physical therapy is the best option for you. The best part of taking the help of a physical therapist is that they work one-on-one with you.
They Will Identify The Affected Shoulder Structure
If you meet a therapist for subsiding your pain, they will try to identify the structure of the shoulder that’s causing the problem. Once your therapist gets to know what’s leading to pain in your shoulder, they will design a personalized treatment plan for ensuring a quick recovery.
However, for identifying the actual cause of the pain, they will examine the ability of your shoulder to make movements and will also check your medical history. Besides, they will also discuss the symptoms of your pain in details.
They Will Include Specific Treatments In Your Care Plan
Based on the primary cause of your problem, your therapist will incorporate specific treatment techniques into your treatment plan to restore your mobility and mitigate pain. Physical therapists may use methods like joint mobilization and stretching exercises to heal your pain and improve function.
Besides, they may also use techniques like heat, ice, and ultrasound, etc., to minimize the inflammation and to accelerate the healing process.
Your Therapist Will Also Educate You
The best part of consulting a competent physical therapist is that they also educate you on how to how to minimize the risk of similar conditions in the future. They try to give their advice on how you can prevent musculoskeletal pain in any part of your body in the future.
For example, they try to enhance your awareness of how poor posture can lead to conditions like shoulder, back, and neck pain, etc. They might advise you on workplace ergonomics, in case your job demands prolonged sitting.
They might teach you correct sitting, walking, and sleeping techniques to avoid shoulder pain in the future. For example, if you maintain a slouching position while sitting in your office, your therapist may guide you on how to sit correctly.
Those who maintain a slouching position should change this habit as soon as possible; otherwise, they will end up spoiling the actual structure of their spine, which can lead to serious health problems. So, make sure that you sit up straight while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should always make a 90-degree angle, and your back should remain straight.
Since it is vital for you to enjoy at least 7-to-8 hours of sleep each day; therefore, maintaining a good posture is utterly crucial. The first and foremost step toward achieving a good night’s sleep is to have the perfect mattress. You should avoid sleeping on your front because that can put pressure on your shoulder, which can lead to more pain and discomfort.
If you have the habit of sleeping on the side, make sure you avoid the shoulder with pain. If you sleep on your back, make sure you use a comfortable pillow to support your head.
Conclusion
Apart from consulting a physical therapist, you can also bring a world of difference in your condition by making changes to your lifestyle. For example, you can use a healthy and balanced diet as a weapon to fight shoulder ache.
In case you are experiencing shoulder ache due to arthritis, then foods rich in antioxidants such as papayas, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries, and bell peppers, etc., are helpful for the development of cartilage.
In general, you should consume foods that are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium to protect your joints and to keep them healthy.
Comments are closed.