How can I prevent shoulder pain?

How to Prevent Shoulder Pain

You can mitigate shoulder pain and discomfort by taking the proper steps to minimize the risk of injury or strain. Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to provide you with expert insight into what causes shoulder pain and how you can prevent shoulder pain.

Chronic Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain is a type of shoulder pain that typically develops over time and lasts for a period of longer than six months. The symptoms may be persistent or come in the form of flare-ups depending on the underlying cause of the chronic shoulder pain. This can be a result of tissue degeneration, inflammation, or injury.

Four Categories of Illness & Injury That Led to Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be gradual or develop suddenly, leaving you with discomfort and limitations. The symptoms of shoulder pain depend on the specific cause and can vary greatly. The four main causes of shoulder pain include the following:

• Acute trauma
• Wear from repetitive use
• Sprains or strains
• Disease

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma refers to an event or accident that results in an impact on the shoulder. When the shoulder is hit from the front or back with force, it may be subject to internal bone damage, soft tissue damage, or a combination of both. This can occur in car accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, and other traumatic events.

Wear from Repetitive Use

For those who work in manual labor, such as carpenters or painters, or for those who play contact sports or sports that require overhead reaching, wear from repetitive use is a common reason for shoulder pain. Wear from repetitive use means engaging in the same motion consistently, resulting in a stress injury to the bones or tendons in the shoulder.

Sprains or Strains

Some movements or activities may strain the shoulder muscles or sprain the shoulder ligaments, even if they are not constantly repeated. For instance, when reaching for an item placed down low or up high, lifting a heavy item, or moving or twisting in an unusual position may cause a sprain or strain to the shoulder.

Disease

Certain diseases may result in shoulder pain. The most frequently seen disease that results in shoulder pain is osteoarthritis, which deteriorates the cartilage that protects the bones from rubbing. Rheumatoid arthritis is also common, as it targets the connective tissue and may result in shoulder pain.

Five Conditions That Lead to Shoulder Pain

Five conditions are commonly identified as the reason for shoulder pain. The five common conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Shoulder dislocation

Medical Treatments for Shoulder Pain

Before determining the most effective treatment, it’s important to detect what causes shoulder pain. Once the cause is established, your healthcare provider may recommend one of the following treatment methods to alleviate the pain:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Lifestyle modifications
• Steroid injections
• Corticosteroids
• In severe cases or as a last resort, surgery

At-Home Management of Shoulder Pain

Acute shoulder pain and certain forms of chronic shoulder pain can be managed at home with the following treatments:

• Apply a cold compress to the affected shoulder to reduce swelling and ease the pain
• Rest and lifestyle modifications to ease the strain
• Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers
• Moist heat application
• Muscle relaxers

How to Prevent Shoulder Pain

It’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid shoulder pain, including the following:

• Stretch before and after physical activity
• Use proper form when lifting heavy objects or reaching overhead
• Take breaks during repetitive movements that affect the shoulders
• Maintain good posture
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet to support your bone health

When to Consult a Doctor

If, after rest and limited movement to the affected shoulder, a person is still experiencing pain or the pain is severe, relentless, or derives from an injury, it’s important to seek medical intervention immediately. Furthermore, if the shoulder is dislocated or injured from trauma, it’s imperative to go directly to the emergency room.

Prevent Shoulder Pain with Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions

If you’re navigating the symptoms of shoulder pain or interested in learning how to prevent shoulder pain by engaging in a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to provide you with the guidance and expertise you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our medical professionals.

What is Bursitis and how can it lead to shoulder pain?

What Is Bursitis of the Shoulder?

Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed. Bursae are sacs filled with fluid that serve as padding between the connective tissue and bones, which facilitates the movement of tendons, bones, and muscles. Whether from injury or wear and tear, an accumulation of fluid in the bursae may result in shoulder bursitis.

Types of Shoulder Bursitis

There are three types of shoulder bursitis, including the following:

• Chronic – A result of repeated injuries of acute bursitis. Symptoms of chronic bursitis may come in flare-ups, or they may be ongoing.
• Acute – Acute bursitis happens suddenly due to an injury and results in pain when the shoulder is moved or touched.
• Infectious or Septic – Infectious bursitis is rare and derives from bacterial infections.

What Causes Shoulder Bursitis?

Bursitis is not limited to the shoulder; however, shoulder bursitis is the most common form of bursitis. Shoulder bursitis derives from overuse, repeating the same shoulder movement, or impact or injury to the shoulder. Overhead movements enhance the friction between the tissues and bones, resulting in inflammation that leads to bursitis.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Bursitis

While anyone can get shoulder bursitis, there are certain people with heightened risk, including the following:

• Athletes, including football, softball, and lacrosse players
• Painters, builders, and carpenters
• People with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, kidney disease, uremia, or thyroid disease

Shoulder Bursitis Symptoms

Shoulder bursitis symptoms can be gradual or sudden, and typically include a sharp pain, dull ache, or tenderness. Other symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:

• Stiff or swollen shoulders
• Limited range of motion due to pain
• Pain at night when laying on the hurt shoulder
• Sharp or pinch-like pain when engaging in overhead movements

What Other Conditions Lead to Shoulder Pain?

Many patients with shoulder bursitis also develop shoulder tendinitis, as both shoulder conditions result in stiff and inflamed shoulders. Other conditions that result in shoulder pain include the following:

• Shoulder dislocation
• Frozen shoulder
• Bone spurs
• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

How Is Shoulder Bursitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose bursitis, your healthcare provider will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination to inspect your pain levels, stability, and range of motion. They may also perform an X-ray, an MRI, an ultrasound, or joint aspiration to drain the bursa and test the fluid to detect infection or gout.

How Can I Treat Bursitis at Home?

To manage the discomfort of shoulder bursitis at home, you may engage in the following:

• Limit stress to the affected shoulder by refraining from straining activities
• Cold compress to alleviate inflammation
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and provide relief for the pain

What Are the Nonsurgical Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis?

Non-surgical shoulder bursitis treatments work to reduce inflammation and curb unpleasant symptoms that may accompany bursitis. The common forms of non-surgical treatment include:

• Steroid injections in the bursa to ease swelling and pain
• Corticosteroids are taken orally for pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy and exercises for shoulder bursitis to improve weak muscles and range of motion
• Antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections

What Are the Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Bursitis?

When shoulder bursitis cannot be alleviated or improved with non-surgical measures, surgery may be the only option. Shoulder bursitis surgery is performed arthroscopically with small incisions and a small camera. During surgery, your surgeon may remove damaged tissue or inflamed bursae.

What Are the Complications of Shoulder Bursitis?

Persistent shoulder bursitis can result in deterioration of the bursae, which may affect the mobility of the shoulder. In cases of infectious or septic shoulder bursitis, the bacteria may spread to other areas of the body. In severe septic cases, the patient may face life-threatening complications.

How Can I Tell Which Type of Bursitis I Have?

To determine what type of shoulder bursitis you have, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Upon completion of a review of your medical history and a physical examination, your healthcare provider will be able to offer you insight into what type of shoulder bursitis you have and curate an effective treatment plan.

Alleviate Your Shoulder Bursitis Today

If you’re experiencing the pain and discomfort of shoulder bursitis, Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to help you achieve relief with a range of health and wellness solutions, including physical therapy designed to ease the strain of your bursitis. Contact our friendly team today to consult with a professional about addressing your shoulder bursitis.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting your mobility and ability to carry out once simple tasks. While shoulder pain is a common occurrence, many don’t realize what causes shoulder pain and the many ways it can be alleviated. Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to provide clarity and insight into what causes shoulder pain and how it can be remedied.

Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder problems can be categorized into two broad sections known as acute and chronic shoulder pain. Acute shoulder issues happen suddenly and are typically accompanied by intense discomfort. Chronic shoulder problems develop over time and may worsen without professional intervention. There are many types of acute and chronic shoulder problems.

• Frozen Shoulder – Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, results in limited overhead mobility of the shoulder. This can be very painful and is typically the result of surgery or a shoulder, wrist, or hand injury.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition brought on when the tendons of the rotator cuff located between the bones of the shoulder joint become pinched. This condition results in difficulty raising the arms overhead and is accompanied by sharp or shooting pains.
• Pinched Nerve – A common occurrence that may result in shoulder pain is a pinched nerve in the neck. Pinched nerves happen when a nerve root within the neck becomes compressed or irritated. This can be minor and heal on its own or it can be a part of a more complex issue such as a herniated disc or bone spur.
• Arthritis – Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder because of broken-down cartilage and friction between the bones.
• Torn Cartilage – Whether it derives from repetitive motions that affect the shoulder cartilage or an injury that inflicted an impact on the shoulder, torn cartilage may result in shoulder pain and weakness. Furthermore, torn shoulder cartilage may cause locking, grinding, or catching of the shoulder.
• Rotator Cuff Tear – Rotator cuff tears can occur due to overuse, normal wear and tear of the shoulder as you age, or from an accident or injury. Rotator cuff tears are accompanied by sharp pains when trying to lift or move things, and at night.

• Tendinitis/Tendinosis – Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons within the shoulder joint. With consistent use, accident, or injury, the tendons may tear, leading to tendonitis. The symptoms of tendinitis may include pain, tenderness, limited range of motion, weakness, or stiffness of the shoulder.

• Shoulder Dislocation – Excessive force from an accident or injury may result in shoulder dislocation. When a shoulder becomes dislocated, a person may experience weakness, swelling, bruising, or numbness partnered with pain and discomfort.
• Bursitis – Overuse, heavy impact, or injury can result in bursitis in the shoulder. Bursitis is caused by the sac that serves as padding for shoulder movement becoming inflamed and irritated, which may result in discomfort and a burning sensation that predominantly occurs with movement.
• Bone Spurs – Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are growths that can form on the edges of the bones located in the shoulder joint. Bone spurs are generally a result of consistent wear and tear to the joint, and they can develop into tendinitis or rotator cuff tears when not promptly addressed.
• Fracture – Whether a person is in an accident or experiences a fall, they may find themselves with a bone fracture. Bone fractures of the clavicle (collarbone) or the humerus (upper arm) may create shoulder pain as they heal.
• Referred Pain – In some cases, a patient’s shoulder pain may not have anything to do with the shoulder itself. Issues with other parts of the body, such as the gallbladder, stomach, liver, heart, or other organs may be damaged or ill, resulting in referred pain felt in the shoulder.

How to Diagnose What Causes Shoulder Pain

When you seek relief from a medical professional for your shoulder pain, they will begin your diagnosis by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. Furthermore, they may conduct one of the following to detect the source of your pain:

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan)
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Ultrasound
• Laboratory testing

Treating Shoulder Pain

Treatment for shoulder pain will vary depending on the source of the shoulder pain and the severity of the patient’s discomfort. Common shoulder pain treatment includes the following:

• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate inflammation and pain
• Surgery in severe cases
• Activity modification
• Rest
• Chiropractic care

Determining Treatment

Treating shoulder pain will be different for each patient, as treatment is based on several factors, including the following:

• The patient’s age
• The patient’s health and medical history
• The severity of the patient’s condition
• The patient’s tolerance to certain procedures, therapies, or medications
• The patient’s expectations
• The patient’s preferences

How to Manage Shoulder Pain

There are several methods to relieve and soothe shoulder pain, including the following:

• Rest
• Limit stress to the shoulder by modifying or refraining from certain activities
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Cold compress to combat swelling
• Moist heat application
• Muscle relaxants

Get Shoulder Pain Relief Today

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Rely on the medical professionals at Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions for prompt and effective shoulder pain treatment based on your specific needs and preferences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover a life beyond the restraints of shoulder pain.

How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last

Understanding the Results of Trigger Point Injections

At Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions, we are committed to helping patients discover the most effective and minimally invasive treatments for their pain. That’s why we provide trigger point injections. Suitable for patients struggling with chronic muscle or joint pain, trigger point injections can be used as a stand-alone or combination treatment to help alleviate and manage pain.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are targeted injections used to alleviate pain in the muscles by inactivating the trigger points with numbing or a combination of medications, including:

• Numbing medication, such as lidocaine
• A combination of steroids and numbing medication
• Corticosteroids or regular saline
• Botox injections
• Dry needling

Do Trigger Point Injections Work Immediately?

 A trigger point injection appointment takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of injections needed. While each patient will respond differently to trigger point injections, many patients notice relief immediately following their injections. However, the results of trigger point injections may take 2-3 days to settle in.

Do Trigger Point Injections Hurt? 

If you’re wondering what to expect after trigger point injections and during treatment, you will be glad to know that these injections are not known to be painful and are typically well tolerated. You may experience a slight soreness at the injection site following treatment, and the treatment itself is similar to the feeling of having your blood drawn.

Trigger Point Injection After-Care

Following your trigger point injections, you will be asked to remain under observation for 30 minutes. Once the 30 minutes are over, you may return to your usual daily activities while refraining from heavy physical activity until your muscles have relaxed entirely. Once you are no longer sore, stretching to strengthen the muscles to promote optimal healing is important.

How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last?

The duration a patient will experience relief following a trigger point injection will depend on several factors, including the severity and specific pain condition the patient suffers from and the combination of medications used in their trigger point injection. Results may last anywhere from a couple of days to months.

Side Effects of Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections’ side effects are low risk, with little or no adverse reactions or complications for most patients. Depending on the combination of medication used in your trigger point injection, possible side effects could develop surrounding the injection site and may include:

• Soreness or tenderness
• Bleeding
• Pooling blood under the skin (hematoma)
• Infection
• Skin dimpling

What Are Trigger Point Injections Used for?

Patients navigating chronic pain conditions involving the muscles and joints may use painkillers that no longer provide adequate or long-lasting relief. In these cases, trigger point injections can be used as an alternative. Common conditions treated with trigger point injections include:

• Myofascial pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Tension headaches
• Neck or back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Groin pain

How Many Trigger Point Injections Can I Receive?

You may receive several trigger point injections per appointment. However, trigger point injections that contain steroid medication should only be used to alleviate pain as a part of a medical treatment plan, and no more than six injections should be given. Injections without steroids can be given more frequently with fewer limitations.

How Often Can You Get Trigger Point Injections?

The frequency in which a patient should pursue trigger point injections will vary depending on their unique pain symptoms, condition, and the medications used in their trigger point injections. Only one trigger point injection is needed in mild cases, whereas more severe cases will require weekly, ongoing treatment.

Learn More About Trigger Point Injections Today

If you’re interested in alleviating symptoms of pain that have been holding you back from living your life, Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to help with our trusted trigger point injections. Contact us today to discuss your treatment and schedule your appointment with our medical professionals.

Trigger Point Injection Side Effects in Pikesville, MD

Exploring Trigger Point Injections

Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting your physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. That’s why at Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions, we are proud to offer a range of pain relief treatments, including our minimally invasive and highly effective trigger point injections.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are a non-surgical pain relief treatment administered by injection into the targeted trigger points in a patient’s muscles in various areas across the body, including the neck and back. Trigger point injections reduce tension and instantly relax the muscles to promote pain relief and comfort.

Benefits of Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are highly effective and offer a wealth of benefits, including:

• Instant pain relief
• Low-risk with minimal side effects
• Minimally invasive with virtually no recovery period
• A versatile pain solution that can be used for a variety of pain symptoms

What to Expect After Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections offer prompt treatment time and no required downtime. Following the injection, patients are asked to remain under observation for up to 30 minutes to ensure no adverse reactions. Once discharged, patients may use ice packs to alleviate soreness around the injection site or inflammation, and stretching is encouraged.

Are Trigger Point Injections Painful?

 If you’re considering trigger point injections, you may wonder if trigger point injections hurt. The injection may feel similar to the sensation of the needle used when having your blood drawn, but they are generally well tolerated by patients. After your treatment, you may feel mild soreness or inflammation.

 What Is Used in Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections are a combination of several medications used to relax and relieve muscle discomfort and pain. Based on the severity of the patient’s pain and symptoms, the following may be used:

• Numbing medication, such as lidocaine
• A combination of steroids and numbing medication
• Corticosteroids or regular saline
• Botox injections
• Dry needling

Do Trigger Point Injections Work?

A muscle impacted by trigger points loses its ability to relax, making movements or touch uncomfortable. Trigger point injections with numbing medications make the pain sensation dormant. When trigger point injections are combined with corticosteroids, they can soothe the muscles and alleviate spasms and inflammation, and when combined with Botox, they paralyze the muscle.

Conditions Treated With Trigger Point Injections

Several medical conditions can be treated with the use of trigger point injections, either on their own or in combination with other forms of therapy or treatment, including:

• Trigger point syndrome pain
• Myofascial pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Neck and lower back pain
• Tension headaches

How Is a Trigger Point Injection Administered?

 Trigger point injections are administered to a patient while seated or in a reclining position. Our medical professionals will clean and numb the skin before injecting the numbing medication or combination of numbing, steroid, or Botox medication into the area of concern. A patient may receive more than one injection per appointment.

How Long Do Trigger Point Injections Last?

 Trigger point injections provide instant relief. However, the final results may take 2-3 days. The pain relief provided by trigger point injections may last anywhere from several days to several months, depending on the patient’s trigger point injection medication combination and their current pain condition.

Quick and Convenient Treatment Time

 Trigger point injections offer a prompt and convenient treatment time. A typical trigger point injection appointment takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of trigger point injections you pursue. The quick treatment time and the lack of downtime required to make trigger point injections a favorable solution for pain relief.

Safe and Effective Pain Relief

 Trigger point injections are highly effective and safe, offering patients a low-risk alternative to conventional pain relief methods. The results of trigger point injections are instantaneous, and the treatment does not require downtime, allowing patients to feel great and get back to their usual routine without needing to carve out recovery time following their appointment.

Minimally Invasive

 Trigger point injections are minimally invasive as simple injections require no surgical procedures. This allows patients to let go of their worries about scarring and anesthesia, alleviating anxiety and making them feel comfortable when arriving at Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions for their trigger point injection treatment.

Let’s Discuss Your Trigger Point Injections Treatment Today

 If you’re looking for an effective, minimally invasive method to restore your muscle function and alleviate pain symptoms, don’t look up “trigger point injections near me,” as Fidel Integrated Medical Solutions is here to accommodate you. Contact us today to learn how trigger point injections can benefit you.

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