Shoulder pain is a very common yet impactful type of chronic pain. Numerous factors, including injuries, overexertion, and underlying medical issues, can contribute to shoulder pain. Luckily, shoulder pain isn’t an impossible condition to fix. A consultation with a shoulder pain physician can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for your issue.
When to See a Shoulder Pain Physician
While minor cases of shoulder pain can be treated at home, you may need to seek professional help if your shoulder pain:
- The pain lasts for more than a few days.
If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve over a few days or worsens over time, you have to consult a physician.
- It is extreme or debilitating.
Severe shoulder pain that significantly limits your mobility and quality of life is a reason to get checked.
- It is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Symptoms like weakness, numbness, or swelling may indicate a more concerning underlying cause. Get checked as soon as possible in those cases.
Why You Should See a Shoulder Pain Physician
Though it may seem like a hassle, seeking medical help is still the best option. This is because going to a shoulder pain physician for treatment ensures a number of benefits. A shoulder pain expert can guarantee the following advantages:
They can diagnose you more accurately.
- Specialized Expertise: Shoulder pain physicians are trained to diagnose and cure a wide range of shoulder conditions, from strains to rotator cuff injuries.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Pain doctors utilize machinery like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to pinpoint the exact cause of your shoulder pain.
Treatment plans will be more effective.
- Tailored Approach: Based on the underlying cause, shoulder pain physicians can develop customized treatment plans based on your needs.
- Physical Therapy Recommendations: Professionals can refer you to credible physical therapists who can plan regimens to improve your shoulder’s range of motion.
Recovery may come quicker.
- Reduced Pain: You can easily get pain relief with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. You can also be prescribed appropriate medicine that can mitigate your symptoms.
- Enhanced Mobility: Shoulder pain physicians and trained PTs can help restore your overall mobility.
Common Shoulder Pain Conditions
To effectively and correctly treat shoulder pain, one must know the exact underlying cause. Shoulder pain can be due to a number of underlying conditions, including the following:
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Broken bones
- Bursitis
- Dislocated or separated shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Overexertion or injury
- Pinched nerves
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendinitis
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
The underlying cause of shoulder pain will determine the course of your treatment. Typical treatment choices include:1.
Rest and ice
Rest is typically recommended for minor cases of shoulder pain. If rest is not enough, applying an ice pack can also help reduce shoulder pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy
In some cases, physical therapy exercises may be required to help deal with shoulder pain. These exercises can help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion, which may alleviate pain.
Medication
Depending on severity, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. However, this only targets the symptoms, not the underlying cause of shoulder pain.
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections are a proven treatment that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. This type of treatment lasts longer than typical over-the-counter pain medication.
Surgery
In some serious cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the underlying cause of shoulder pain.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shoulder Pain Physician
Picking the right shoulder pain physician requires you to consider a number of factors to ensure your satisfaction. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your specialist:
- Ensure they are certified: The physician you select has board certification or a license that proves their qualifications.
- Consider their communication skills: Choose a physician who communicates effectively and knows how to answer your questions.
- Look at their experience: Consider professionals with a proven track record and years of experience.
- Consider their expertise: Make sure the physician you choose has specialized training in shoulder disorders.
- Be mindful of their reputation: Do your due diligence, look up the physician, and check patient reviews or comments.
Relieve Your Shoulder Pain With Pain Treatment Institute
It’s important to choose your back pain physician wisely. Even if it may be a hassle, you should take your time when evaluating your prospective physician. Doing so is worth the time and effort to improve your shoulder pain and well-being.
At the Pain Treatment Institute, we know how negatively back pain impacts your life. Thanks to our skilled pain specialists and cutting-edge pain management methods, we can help you make your way to recovery.
For more information, call the Pain Treatment Institute today!
