Do you have a shoulder injury? If so, then you may be looking for advice on how to treat it. You may have heard some of the following pieces of advice: “rest it,” “ice it,” and “take ibuprofen.” However, these are not actually the best ways to treat shoulder injuries! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the worst advice that you can hear about treating shoulder injuries. We will also provide tips on how to properly care for your injured shoulder.
One of the worst pieces of advice that you can hear about treating shoulder injuries is to “rest it.” The truth is, resting your shoulder for too long can actually make your injury worse. When you rest your shoulder, you are not using the muscles and tendons in your shoulder joint. This can lead to a condition called atrophy, which is when the muscles and tendons in your shoulder joint shrink in size. As a result, your injured shoulder will become weaker and more susceptible to further injury.
Another common piece of advice that you may hear about treating shoulder injuries is to “ice it.” However, this is also not actually the best way to treat these injuries. When you ice your shoulder, you are limiting the blood flow to the area. This can actually slow down the healing process. Additionally, icing your shoulder can cause discomfort and numbness.
Finally, another piece of advice that you may hear about treating shoulder injuries is to “take ibuprofen.” However, this is also not a good idea. Ibuprofen can cause stomach problems and other side effects. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any medication for your shoulder injury.
If you have a shoulder injury, it is important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
A cold compress can assist to reduce discomfort and swelling by lowering the temperature in a specific area of the body. When you apply ice to an injury, it inhibits blood flow to the area, which can halt or stop bleeding.
A heating pad can help increase blood flow to the area and promote healing.
Stretching your muscles can help keep them healthy and strong.
Strengthening exercises can help improve the strength and stability of your shoulder joint.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, it is important to consult with a doctor. He or she can help diagnose and treat your injury.
A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises and stretches to help heal your shoulder injury.
So what is the best way to treat a shoulder injury? Unfortunately, there isn’t one answer that fits everyone. However, following these general tips should help you on your road to recovery: Use a cold compress for the first 48 hours after the injury. This will help reduce inflammation. Following the cold compression, use a heating pad to increase blood flow and promote healing. Stretch your muscles regularly- especially if they are feeling tight or stiff. Do strengthening exercises to regain lost strength and mobility. If you are still experiencing pain after doing all of these things, it is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist who can create a personalized treatment plan for you. If you’re not sure where to start, call Dr. Stephen S. Chen, MD today, and he can help get you on the right track. He has years of experience helping people recover from all sorts of shoulder injuries, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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, including back injuries. 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