The shoulder is one of the most active parts of the body, but it’s easy to forget that this is the case. When your shoulders are in fine health, they just silently do their job; unnoticeable and unobtrusive in every aspect of life.
However, if you develop a problem with one of your shoulders, then the huge role they play in almost every movement you make becomes suddenly apparent. Whether you’re walking, showering, or even sleeping, the pain will be highly noticeable, and everyday tasks such as changing clothes or reaching for items on a high shelf will become nigh-on impossible.
As a result, anyone who experiences shoulder pain, whether that be front of shoulder pain caused by a tear in the muscles or ligaments or a frozen shoulder that significantly limits your movement, will naturally want to try and resolve the issue as soon as possible - and below, we’ve put together a guide that can help make this goal as obtainable as possible.
Visiting a doctor for advice
More often than not, shoulder pain will be as a result of a fairly standard injury or muscle strain - which is not to say that the pain isn’t significant, just that it can largely be expected to resolve without medical intervention. However, some conditions that afflict the shoulder can result in the need for further, medicalized treatment, so if you develop shoulder pain that lasts for more than a few days, then it’s worth visiting your doctor just to check if the issue is something you can manage yourself. If it isn't, you may be referred to an expert in arm pain treatment in Arizona (or elsewhere) who can help you further with any issues that you may be having.
Visiting a doctor is particularly important if you are experiencing pain in the left shoulder. While it is far more likely that left shoulder pain is a result of musculoskeletal issues, it can - in rare cases - be a sign of a heart condition, so always check things out with your primary care physician.
If your doctor suggests home management is suitable for you, then you can address the issue yourself.
Finding the right pain relief
Anyone experiencing shoulder pain will first want to establish a method of pain relief, so let’s look at some of the options available in this regard:
- Over-the-counter pain medication can help to manage shoulder pain, with ibuprofen the most common choice.
- CBD oil is a well-regarded form of pain relief, and you could consider including THC with your CBD for an extra boost if required.
- Ice or heat can provide immediate relief from shoulder pain. However, do be cautious not to these treatments directly to skin; apply ice packs or heat bags through clothes in order to protect the skin.
It’s worth noting that it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before using any of the above just to ensure they are suitable for your specific needs.
Achieving long-term shoulder health
With pain hopefully managed with one of the above options, you can turn to thinking about protecting your shoulder health so as to avoid painful recurrences of pain or injuries in the future. Here are a few methods to consider in this regard:
- Supplements. Supplements that are thought to be beneficial for the health of joints may be beneficial for shoulder pain: options such as cod liver oil, Vitamin D, and glucosamine could all be worth considering. As with medications, it’s always advisable to check with a doctor before taking any supplements.
- Shoulder supports. When engaging in any form of physical activity, wear a shoulder support to help protect against any further damage to the area.
- Consider a pillow designed for your preferred sleeping position. Pillows that are specifically designed for certain sleeping positions - “back sleeper”, “side sleeper” and “front sleeper” tend to be the most common options - may sound like a gimmick, but they can really help you to achieve good body alignment while sleeping, which should prove to be beneficial for the health of your shoulders.
- Try yoga or pilates. Both yoga and pilates have been associated with improved joint and muscle health, so could be useful for those looking to maintain shoulder health.
- Focus on good form when strength training. The shoulders will always be vulnerable when strength training the upper body, so be cautious to keep good form when engaging in this practice. It may be worth seeking the advice of a specialist who can check your routine and provide tips on how to protect your shoulders throughout your workouts.
In conclusion
We hope the above guide will prove useful to anyone who is seeking a comprehensive solution for any shoulder pain that they experience.
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