How to Treat Acute and Chronic Shoulder Pain



Shoulder pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. There are two main types of shoulder pain: acute and chronic. Acute shoulder pain usually lasts for a few days or weeks and can be caused by an injury or strain. Chronic shoulder pain, on the other hand, lasts for months or even years and can be caused by arthritis or tendonitis. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help alleviate both acute and chronic shoulder pain.

Treating Acute Shoulder Pain

For acute shoulder pain, the best approach is to rest the affected area as much as possible while avoiding activities that may cause further injury. Ice packs should be applied directly to the painful area for 15 minutes at a time several times a day to reduce inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also help alleviate symptoms of acute shoulder pain. If the symptoms persist after several days of self-care measures, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from your doctor or physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment options such as ultrasound therapy or steroid injections if needed.

Treating Chronic Shoulder Pain

Chronic shoulder pain requires more long-term management strategies than acute shoulder pain due to its persistent nature. A physical therapist can assess your condition and recommend exercises that target specific muscles in order to strengthen them and improve mobility in the joint over time. Other treatments such as massage therapy, acupuncture, heat therapy, cold laser therapy may also provide relief from chronic shoulder discomfort when used in conjunction with exercise programs prescribed by your physical therapist . Additionally, certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce inflammation associated with chronic conditions like arthritis in order to provide some symptom relief from persistent discomfort .

In conclusion , treating both acute and chronic shoulder pains requires different approaches depending on the underlying cause . For mild cases of either type , self-care measures like icing , rest , anti - inflammatory medications ,and gentle exercises may provide adequate relief . However , if symptoms persist despite these efforts then it is important to seek professional medical attention in order to properly diagnose any underlying condition causing the issue so that appropriate treatment plans can be implemented accordingly .

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shoulder pain, acute, chronic, injury, strain, arthritis, tendonitis, rest, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications, ibuprofen/ naproxen, physical therapist, exercises, massage therapy, acupuncture, heat therapy, cold laser therapy, NSAIDs,

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