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.

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