Orthopedic specialists offer many treatments to heal or help manage shoulder pain. The first step toward pain relief and improved function is a hands-on assessment and diagnostic imaging. Then, the physician can create a treatment plan geared toward specific patient needs and goals.
Here are some of the best shoulder pain treatments available.
At-Home Treatments
Not every cause of shoulder pain requires complex or invasive treatments. For instance, a sprain or strain involving muscles and connective tissue in the shoulder may heal well with simple rest and activity modification at home, applying ice to the painful area, and immobilization with a sling.
More long-term conditions, such as inflammatory bursitis or tendonitis, may respond to over-the-counter oral medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or to topical analgesic creams or ointments.
PRP Therapy
A form of regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves an injection of a patient’s blood platelets into an affected joint space in the shoulder, knee, or hip. Obtained by a simple blood draw and concentrated with a lab centrifuge, the platelets are injected back into the patient at the site of injury or deterioration. The natural growth and healing factors in the blood platelets reduce inflammation and pain and assist the body in healing.
Corticosteroid Injections
Providing temporary but effective joint pain relief, corticosteroid injections in the joint reduce inflammation and allow for freer movement in the shoulder. Patients with arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, and other conditions may benefit from these quick in-office injections.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists provide individualized shoulder care plans designed to relieve pain and improve strength and function. Physical therapy programs can include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ways to prevent injury in the workplace and in sports
- Heat and cold therapy
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Bracing, slings, and other assistive devices
- Education on how to live well with arthritis and other degenerative condition and how to prevent further injury to the shoulder joint
- Maintaining correct ergonomics, including posture, at home and in the workplace
Surgery
Surgery may be the best solution when injuries are severe or other less invasive interventions no longer work. For instance, your orthopedic doctor may advise shoulder replacement surgery in the case of advanced osteoarthritis pain. Additionally, small incision arthroscopy may remove painful calcium deposits, repair shoulder instability from repeated dislocations, or stabilize a shoulder that is painful due to deterioration in the labrum surrounding the ball and socket joint.
Advanced Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL
For the finest orthopedic care in South Florida, consult Dr. Paul Meli and his team. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Meli has many years of experience in advanced orthopedic services for people of all ages and activity levels, including athletes.
Don’t suffer from shoulder pain any longer. Call us at (952) 324-7711 for a personal consultation with Dr. Meli. You also can request a visit online. We look forward to serving you soon!
