Treating Shoulder Pain - Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis - for most cases, there are treatments that may help reduce the pain and improve range of motion
In 2011, more than 50 million people in the United States reported that they had been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, according to the National Health Interview Survey. Simply defined, arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. In a diseased shoulder, inflammation causes pain and stiffness.
Although there is no cure for arthritis of the shoulder, there are many treatment options available. Using these, most people with arthritis are able to manage pain and stay active.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom of arthritis of the shoulder is pain, which is aggravated by activity and progressively worsens.
If the glenohumeral shoulder joint is affected, the pain is centered in the back of the shoulder and may intensify with changes in the weather. Patients complain of an ache deep in the joint.
The pain of arthritis in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is focused on the top of the shoulder. This pain can sometimes radiate or travel to the side of the neck.
Someone with rheumatoid arthritis may have pain throughout the shoulder if both the glenohumeral and AC joints are affected.
Limited motion is another common symptom. It may become more difficult to lift your arm to comb your hair or reach up to a shelf. You may hear a grinding, clicking, or snapping sound (crepitus) as you move your shoulder.
As the disease progresses, any movement of the shoulder causes pain. Night pain is common and sleeping may be difficult.
Keeping the Shoulder Moving
Generally speaking, and in most cases, it's important to keep the shoulder moving. Your doctor or therapist will often be able to advise on a program of exercises and stretches that should help relieve pain, and preserve or improve range of movement.
Trigger Point Therapy
The shoulder is complex, and trigger points almost always play a part in the symptoms of shoulder arthritis. There are a number of well established trigger point protocols for shoulder arthritis that have been shown to relieve pain and improve range of motion. Ask your therapist or doctor about trigger points!
You can also download our FREE Information Guide for Arthritic Shoulder.
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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