Shoulder Pain Treatment Questions and Answers

If you or someone you love is experiencing shoulder pain, come to PC Medical Centers to receive a professional medical diagnosis in Cape Girardeau, MO. We can help you determine what is causing your pain and develop a treatment plan to best suit your needs. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online.

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body and comprises several different muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage that give it its broad range of motion. This joint has a higher range of motion than other joints, and because it can enter into so many different positions and movements, there are several areas that can be subjected to wear and tear. This deterioration occurs naturally over time and can result in pain, inflammation and swelling. Because the shoulder is such a complex joint, any type of shoulder pain should be evaluated by a medical professional at the earliest opportunity. If should pain is left untreated, it can result in long term inflammation and even permanent damage.

What usually causes shoulder pain?

Several factors and conditions can contribute to shoulder pain, from acute injuries to chronic conditions to congenital diseases. The most prevalent causes of shoulder pain are:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Injury to another location of the body (typically the neck, back or biceps)
• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa sacs or tendons
• Bone spurs (typically along the edges of bones)
• Pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder
• Broken shoulder or arm bone
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Injury due to overuse or repetitive use
• Spinal cord injury
• Heart attack

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?

Contact your doctor for shoulder pain if:

• Pain is not subsiding, despite at-home care such as rest and refraining from strenuous activities
• Pain is persistent and occurs even when not using the arm or shoulder
• Pain is accompanied with numbness, weakness, or paralysis
• The type or intensity of pain changes, such as from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain
• Pain returns when you resume activities, such as raising arms above head or lifting something with the affected arm
• The shoulder joint appears deformed, such as a lump
• There are any signs of infection, such as fever (over 100ºF), tenderness, swelling or inflammation

Is surgery necessary for arm or shoulder pain?

In the vast majority of cases of arm or shoulder pain, surgery is not necessary. Surgery is typically used as a last resort and is only utilized when other forms of treatment have failed to provide relief. Many doctors understand this and will not refer a patient for surgery unless it is the only viable choice left.

What are the treatments for shoulder pain?

At PC Medical Centers, we use the following treatments for shoulder pain:

• Rehabilitation Therapy — Rehabilitation therapy is used to treat all kinds of pain and physical limitations and is often the first form of treatment prescribed for shoulder pain. These strengthening exercises can help patients relearn basic functions and improve their mobility/range of motion.
• Trigger Point Injections — Also known as TPI, a trigger point injection is formulated with a local anesthetic and a long-acting pain-reliever that is directly injected into the problem area. They can be extremely effective in managing shoulder pain.
• Laser Therapy — This technological breakthrough can treat all kinds of pain, including shoulder pain, and is used by athletes all over the world.
• Acupuncture — Few therapies have stood the test of time as long as acupuncture, which has been used to treat body pain for over 25 centuries.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain and do not want to rely on surgery or painkillers, come to PC Medical Centers for a higher level of care. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating shoulder pain using a variety of therapies and can help you find the relief you need. Call us today at (573) 383-2216 to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 5 Doctors Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Our office is open on Monday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, on Tuesday & Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, on Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and on Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM. We serve patients from Cape Girardeau MO, Oak Ridge MO, Scott City MO, Jackson MO, Chaffee MO, Shawnee Township MO, and Whitewater MO. Looking forward to serve you!