Shoulder Pain
Specialized Shoulder Care in Star Valley
Shoulder pain can not only affect your everyday activities, it can make getting a good night’s sleep pretty difficult, too. Shoulder pain can arise for a variety of reasons, including slip and falls, strain from athletic activities, and chronic conditions like arthritis. From physical therapy to innovative surgeries, we provide a host of support to help you find shoulder pain relief.
Shoulder Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sports injuries
- Shoulder arthritis
- SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
There are different levels of shoulder pain severity. Some can be treated at home with a bit of rest, others require urgent care or an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. For example, if you’re experiencing minor pain and discomfort, rest, OTC pain relievers, or ice can usually do the trick.
On the other hand, if you’ve experienced a serious sports injury or fall, it’s best to head straight to the hospital. For chronic pain or if your pain is accompanied by redness or swelling, however, it may be time to schedule an orthopedic appointment.
If your shoulder pain is accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing, it could signal an oncoming heart attack. Call 911 immediately.
In order to diagnose your shoulder pain, your doctor will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve experienced them, as well as any treatments you’ve tried in the past. An X-ray or MRI may also be scheduled to help pinpoint the problem. Initial treatments for shoulder pain may include physical therapy to help ease discomfort and strengthen mobility, or steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
In some cases, though – like arthritis or a tear in your cartilage – surgery may be your best option. Some patients are uneasy about the idea of surgery due to concerns about long recovery times. While this is understandable, know that shoulder pain left untreated can worsen conditions and actually prolong your pain. A surgical procedure can strengthen your shoulder and help you regain range of motion.
Need to Know: Shoulder Arthroplasty
Shoulder replacement – or shoulder arthroplasty – can bring great gains in treating serious conditions or injuries like arthritis and rotator cuff tears. At Star Valley Health, we provide both anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacements.
“If your shoulder pain is limiting your sleep or your activities, then you are probably living with limits that are not necessary. In many cases a diagnosis can quickly be made, and a treatment plan can be organized that can get you back to doing all those things that you love doing.”
-Dr. Stucki
During an anatomic total shoulder replacement, your shoulder’s ball and socket are replaced by implants that mimic the ball and socket and help your shoulder move naturally. With a reverse total shoulder replacement the ball and socket are also removed, but the implants are fitted in a reverse fashion.
Reverse total shoulder replacements can be especially helpful for patients with severe damage to their rotator cuff muscles, and here’s why: in an anatomic replacement, the implants work with your rotator cuff muscles for optimal motion. But if those muscles aren’t able to function, a reverse procedure will utilize other muscles in your shoulder to achieve the same effect. Talk with your doctor to determine which shoulder replacement procedure is best for you.
Pre and Post-op Prep for Total Shoulder Replacements
After your surgery you’ll need to avoid extreme stretches and lifting heavy objects, so prepare accordingly beforehand. This could mean finding help with driving and grocery shopping, or arranging household items within reach. Also, take care to fall-proof your home as much as possible: for example, by organizing clutter, removing area rugs, or installing non-slip shower mats.
Everyone’s recovery time after surgery is different, and will depend on factors like the type of surgery and extent of injuries. However, here are some tips for successful healing:
- Avoid strenuous activity, as directed by your doctor
- Be diligent with medication and post-op appointments
- Make sure your incision site stays clean and dry
- Alert our team immediately of signs of complications (Ex: fever or increased swelling)
- Keep up with your recommended physical therapy exercises
Along with our physical therapy services, we also offer joint classes for total shoulder replacements. In these one-on-one sessions, you’ll gain helpful insights to manage your recovery and maximize the healing process.
Get Back to Active Living with Specialized Shoulder Care
Whether you’re facing a chronic condition or surgery for an injury, we know that overcoming shoulder pain is a journey. From pain management treatments to total shoulder replacements, we offer personalized support to help you find relief from shoulder pain and regain your mobility. Call our team to schedule an appointment!