Shoulder pain is a common problem that we treat often here in Springfield. Because the shoulders form a complex area of joints and muscles, it can be difficult to initially diagnose and so acute pain changing into more chronic pain isn’t that uncommon. We see many chronic pain patients and have a seven step process by which to help and restore proper function to the area.
Range of Motion Restored
This is our primary goal and the focus happens early on in the treatment process. By helping break up tissue scars and adhesions, we are able to help the patient move properly. Proper movement means that the issue isn’t being compounded by further inflammation and pain.
Looking at Impingement
Getting rid of impingement in the scapula via therapy is another essential step. This helps to share out the burden onto the muscles around to help function and reduce pain.
Testing Motion
Next we will look at the motion and how you are moving. Two tests are done, one looks at the mobility and the other the stability of the shoulder.
Educating Our Patient
We need to know how the condition occurred and thus inform our patient of alternate ways to carry out the same task that may have caused pain in the first place. So if it was caused by work or a hobby, we will help the patient to learn a different way of carrying out the task so as to reduce the likelihood of a problem in the future.
Keeping a Positive Attitude
No one wants to hear doubts about any recovery from an injury, so we always maintain a positive attitude and we expect our patients to as well. This attitude is actually instrumental in many recoveries and helps no end. If you expect to be in pain forever, the likelihood is that you possibly will. If you think positive you will feel better in more ways than one.
Shoulder Exercises
We need to strengthen your shoulder and exercise is one of the best ways of doing this. We will never make you overdo things, but as you progress to recovery we will prescribe more exercises to push your shoulder a little more as progress is made. Obviously, if any sharp pain is felt during any exercise, stop what you are doing and we can reassess and try alternative exercises.
Keep Moving
You should always try and keep your shoulder motion going as often as you can. Rest is not always the best solution, and where shoulders are concerned, this is particularly true.
If you have any shoulder pain, call us, we can help. It’s one of our specialties in helping restore range of motion and reduce pain.
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