Your shoulder facilitates several movements, which makes it susceptible to injuries. An untreated shoulder injury can interfere with your mobility and cause excruciating pain, hindering your ability to complete your daily tasks. Fortunately, the 360 Orthopedics specialists offer a wide range of treatments that can restore optimal function and strength in your joint.

Factors contributing to shoulder pain

Your shoulder is responsible for most of your movements. An injured shoulder can hinder your mobility in your hand and result in excruciating pain and discomfort. Your shoulder joint consists of three bones: the clavicle, the scapula, and the humerus. These bones have to be cushioned to prevent friction during movement.

Several factors can interfere with the functioning of your shoulder. They include dislocation, frozen shoulder, biceps tendinitis, labral tear, infections, rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and bursitis. Rotator cuff injuries top the list of shoulder injuries that can interfere with your mobility. Your risk of getting a rotator cuff injury increases if your occupation demands extreme overhead activity or you are active in sports.

When to talk to your doctor about shoulder pain

Factors leading to shoulder pain may also cause additional symptoms, including bruising and swelling, muscle spasms, arm weakness, shoulder instability, limited range in motion, and trouble lifting your arm. If left untreated, the underlying cause may deteriorate and result in chronic complications like shoulder instability. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice tenderness and heat around your shoulder, bruising, or fever. If you also experience lasting shoulder pain or pain that shoots suddenly and is not related to an injury, visit the nearest emergency room or call 911. Sometimes shoulder pain may indicate a heart attack. If you also have a bleeding or swollen injury or notice exposed tissue, call 911.

Diagnostic techniques for shoulder pain

During your appointment, the team discusses how the injury happens, reviews your health, and conducts a thorough physical exam to identify the root cause of your pain. They may also feel your shoulder for swelling and tenderness and ask you to make several movements to assess joint stability and range of motion. Your provider may conduct additional tests such as X-rays and MRIs to obtain a clear view of your shoulder joint. After identifying the trigger of your pain, your doctor may educate you about the available treatment options and recommend the most effective.

Available treatments for shoulder pain

Your treatment plan relies on your age, type and severity of your injury, and occupation. It may include immobilization, steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and rest. Your doctor may also recommend treatment with platelet-rich plasma to speed up your recovery. If your symptoms don’t respond to the conservative therapies, your provider may suggest performing arthroscopic surgery, a slightly invasive procedure with minimal recovery time. If your shoulder is severely damaged due to injury or arthritis, your doctor may recommend a total shoulder replacement.

Contact the office or book your spot online if you have shoulder pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications.