Shoulder pain is a common ailment caused by various factors, including injury, strain, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Shoulder pain can prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities and negatively affect your quality of life. Fortunately, Scott Ellsworth, MD, offers treatment for your shoulder pain to alleviate your pain.
Also, try home remedies before turning to medication or surgery. Here are home remedies that may help alleviate shoulder pain.
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1. Ice therapy
Applying an ice pack to the affected shoulder can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, relieving pain. To use ice therapy, wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and apply it to the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
2. Heat therapy
Heat therapy, such as using a heating pad or taking a warm bath, can also help relieve shoulder pain by increasing blood flow to the area and relaxing tight muscles. A hot shower can surely make you feel better if your shoulder pain results from sleeping incorrectly. You might also use an electric heating pad. Use a medium heat setting rather than a high heat setting when using an electric heating pad.
Studies show that our bodies react more favorably to moderate heat than high heat. You can also use “rice bags” or microwave pellets to reduce your shoulder pain at home. Check your skin to make sure the heat causes no burns.
3. Stretching
Gentle stretching can help improve flexibility and alleviate pain. For shoulder pain, try stretches such as the doorway stretch, in which you stand in a doorway and raise your arm to the side, leaning into the door with your elbow, or the shoulder roll stretch, in which you roll your shoulders forward and backward several times.
4. Exercise
Strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder, such as the rotator cuff muscles, can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury. Exercises such as shoulder presses and rows can be done using light weights at home.
5. Over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can effectively reduce inflammation and pain. Always follow the package instructions and consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
6. Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care involves manual spinal and joint adjustments to improve alignment and reduce pain. In some cases, a chiropractor may also provide exercises or other forms of therapy to help strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder.
7. Herbal remedies
Certain herbs have been found to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Some popular herbs for treating shoulder pain include ginger, turmeric, and willow bark. These can be taken in supplement form or used to make tea. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbs, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking.
Although these home remedies can help alleviate shoulder pain, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If your shoulder pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling, it is important to see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition.
Call The Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance to book your appointment for shoulder pain treatment.
