Did you know that approximately one million people in the United States suffer from a separated shoulder? This is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes dislocated, and it can be very painful. If you are one of the many people who suffer from this condition, then you know how frustrating it can be. In this blog post, we will discuss five quick tips about separated shoulders that will help you get on the road to recovery!
If you have suffered a separated shoulder, it is important to keep your shoulder immobilized. This means that you should not move it around too much and you should avoid using it for any type of activity. Your doctor may recommend wearing a sling or splint to help keep your shoulder in place.
One of the best ways to reduce pain and swelling after a separated shoulder is to apply ice to the affected area. Ice can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth so that it does not come into direct contact with your skin. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
If you are in pain after a separated shoulder, your doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are two common medications that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and do not take more medication than recommended.
In some cases, a separated shoulder may require further treatment by a doctor or other healthcare provider. If your pain is severe or if you have suffered any type of damage to your shoulder, you should see your doctor right away. They may recommend physical therapy or surgery to help you recover from your injury.
To help prevent a separated shoulder, it is important to avoid activities that put stress on the joint. This includes lifting heavy objects, participating in contact sports, or falling onto your outstretched arm. If you must do these activities, be sure to use proper form and technique to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your shoulder.
Don’t let a separated shoulder slow you down! Following these tips, you can help speed up the healing process and get back to your regular activities quickly and safely. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider. They can help you create a treatment plan that is specific for your needs. Separated shoulders can be painful, but with the right treatment, they can be treated effectively. Do not suffer in silence – get the help you need so that you can start feeling better!
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com