Orthopedist Questions Shoulder pain

How can I relieve shoulder pain?

I am a 52 year old male with shoulder pain. How can I relieve shoulder pain?

6 Answers

Your orthopedist need to find out what part of your shoulder causing pain. It could be a rotator cuff tear, a tendonitis, or an impingement syndrome. Dependent on the cause, your orthopedist will recommend the proper treatment.
It really depends on the source of shoulder pain, as this can be anything from issues with the joint, rotator cuff, cartilage ring (labrum), ligaments to even referred pain from a neck problem. Best to get a good history and physical done by a qualified orthopedic surgeon and then have the appropriate treatment initiated. That being said, my rule of thumb for safe shoulder exercises that can improve certain problems in the shoulder is what I coined as the No Pain Principle of the Shoulder exercises. These include painless zone of motion strengthening exercises in the external rotation, internal rotation and abduction/flexion motions, scapular retraction exercises (anything that sticks your chest out like rowing or reverse shrugs), appropriate stretches as needed to regain motion, and icing the tendon and joint area afterwards to prevent inflammation from doing the exercises (a recent study suggests not to ice the muscles as that can slow down recovery).

Ron Noy, MD
Look onto reputable websites for rotator cuff exercises. That is the most likely cause
First try to determine possible cause of pain and rest/alter activity to improve pain. Routine stretching and ice helpful and occasional anti inflammatory such as Advil/ aleve. Shoulder therapy under guidance of therapist or home program next. If no improvement after 3-6 weeks see an Orthopedic surgeon for evaluation, radiographs possible injection with steroid or MRI. Good luck Thanks for question.
You need to find out the cause of the pain first: exam, X-ray, MRI, etc. Then treat it appropriately.
In most cases, pain comes with elevation of the arm above head. So, keep your elbows below chest level. Also, take advil 3 tabs with each meal for a couple of weeks. If you don't get better, go see an orthopedic specialist.

Hope it helps!

Dr. Bose