The incidence of shoulder pain is almost 15 in every 1,000 patients who see their primary care doctor. If shoulder pain prevents you from participating in the everyday activities you love, the experienced orthopaedic specialists at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers in West Rogers Park and Wicker Park, Chicago, can help. They offer conservative, medicinal, and surgical treatments for shoulder pain to restore your quality of life. Call Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers to learn more or book an appointment online today.
Shoulder pain is common, especially with increasing age. It involves any type of discomfort at or near your shoulder joint. Your shoulder is made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, and allows for a significant range of motion in your arm.
Shoulder pain comes in a variety of forms. Examples include:
Shoulder pain might be mild or severe. If it doesn’t subside on its own after a few days or if the pain is severe, schedule an appointment with Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers for an evaluation.
Numerous injuries and diseases can lead to shoulder pain. Examples include:
You might experience shoulder pain from normal wear and tear, overuse, playing sports, a work injury, or a car accident. Your orthopaedic specialist determines the type and severity of your injury to establish the most appropriate treatment.
To diagnose shoulder injuries associated with pain, your doctor reviews your medical history and symptoms. They examine the affected area and use imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or electromyogram (EMG) to evaluate nerve function.
Your orthopaedic specialist creates a personalized shoulder pain treatment plan that considers the type and severity of your injury. They might recommend one or more of the following treatments.
RICE therapy, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is often an early treatment for shoulder problems. Your doctor might recommend you wear a sling to immobilize the joint while a shoulder injury heals.
Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain while you recover from an injury.
The on-site physical therapists at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers help strengthen and stretch injured areas to accelerate healing and prevent future shoulder injuries. If you require shoulder surgery, physical therapy optimizes your recovery.
Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments to ease shoulder pain. Examples include passive manipulation, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or massage therapy techniques to improve blood circulation and healing.
Steroid and numbing injections reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with shoulder pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a form of regenerative medicine that uses platelets sourced from your blood to heal shoulder problems and ease pain naturally.
In severe cases, shoulder surgery might be needed to fully restore your shoulder joint. Your surgeon lets you know which type of surgery is right for you. It might involve arthroscopy to repair or remove tissue, or traditional open procedures for shoulder joint replacement or reconstruction.
Don’t let shoulder pain be a part of your everyday routine. Call the experts at Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centers today or use the online scheduling tool.
