Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Orthopedic Surgeon · Orthopaedics
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, so it is best to seek treatment as soon as possible when the condition first occurs. Treatment should depend on the type and severity of your shoulder pain. If you have mild discomfort or decreased range of motion, then conservative treatments are usually recommended before seeking out more aggressive options such as surgery.
Generally speaking, physical therapy is often used to treat mild-to-moderate shoulder pain and improve flexibility and strength in the affected area. Your physical therapist may also recommend ice or heat therapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound therapy. Exercise is also important — exercises that focus on strengthening your muscles around your joints can help decrease tension placed on those joints which will prevent further damage from occurring over time.
If you experience severe shoulder pain associated with radiating nerve discomfort like numbness or tingling sensations down into your arm or hand, then it’s likely that you should seek more aggressive treatment options such as steroid injections for inflammation reduction and even surgery for major tears in surrounding tissues. However these treatments should only be considered after other forms of conservative treatment have been deemed ineffective at managing your symptoms long-term.
Overall if you experience any sort of shoulder pain it’s best to consult with a qualified medical professional right away in order to determine what course of action would be best designed specifically for you based on your individual health needs!