Shoulder Pain Relief Can Make a Difference to Your Quality of Life

Shoulder Pain Relief Can Make a Difference to Your Quality of Life

The shoulder joint is composed of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). A group of muscles and tendons keeps this head of your upper arm in its socket.

Your rotator cuff, the ligaments that keep the head of your arm bone in place, can cause shoulder pain when you lift something over or reach overhead. Treating this type of pain as soon as possible is recommended to avoid further aggravation over time.

Rest, ice and medications can provide temporary relief from shoulder pain and stiffness. However, it may take some time for your shoulder to improve; therefore, you may need to commit to exercising and receiving physiotherapy treatments.

Steroid injections can provide temporary relief from some shoulder discomfort. When administered with a local anaesthetic, these shots should reduce inflammation and pain during your recovery period; in addition, they make physiotherapy exercises much more manageable.

Heat and cold packs can provide temporary comfort during times of discomfort. These can be bought from pharmacies and sports shops, or made at home by filling a plastic or reusable bag with ice and wrapping it in a towel for protection.

Consult with your doctor about the appropriate type of heat or cold pack for you, and how to use it properly. Be careful not to apply too much heat or ice as this could lead to skin damage and frostbite.