For most of us, our shoulders move regularly, even when we don’t realize it. From typing on a keyboard to an aggressive sneeze to driving a car to lifting weights, your shoulder joint and tissues may be stimulated. When the shoulder becomes painful, many everyday movements are jeopardized.
In this article, we’re going over reasons we get shoulder pain and three ways you can help relieve your discomfort naturally- and now.
Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?
Shoulder pain can result from a traumatic event, habitual movement patterns, and everything in between. In most cases, the joint is overworked, or the soft tissues are inflamed or otherwise compromised.
Common injuries and conditions related to shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff injury
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Sprains and strains
- Scar tissue
- Disc herniation
- Sports injury
- Tendonitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Nerve impingement or pinched nerve
These conditions may arise for several reasons, including:
- Overuse and regular wear and tear
- Repetitive and consistent use, often due to sports, exercise, or occupation
- Improper movement patterns and posture
- Improper warm-ups and cool-downs before and after physical activity
- Mental stress and anxiety
- Neck injury
- Chronic injury
Fortunately, many of these patterns can be treated and supported through education, proactive chiropractic care, and guidance regarding exercise, stretching, and lifestyle.
3 Tips for Shoulder Pain Relief You Can Do Right Now
When you’re in pain, the only thing you want is for it to end fast. We understand that and are giving you three great ways you can safely and naturally relieve your shoulder pain at home right now.
Tip 1: Apply ice and heat
When the shoulder’s soft tissues become inflamed, often, discomfort follows. The body will organically send healthy blood to the injured area to aid in healing; however, that blood causes more inflammation. Icing reduces circulation and allows swelling to decrease, which can help alleviate pain quickly.
Heat works by soothing and relaxing tense muscles and promoting the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. While ice and heat offer opposing remedies, they work excellently in unison.
First, apply ice to ensure swelling is managed. Do so for 15 to 20 minutes per session, up to four times a day. Once the inflammation is under control, add heat to the treatment plan, also for 15 to 20 minutes per session. This duo nurtures effective restoration using the body’s own healing powers.
Tip 2: Stretch the shoulder
Stretching should be done regularly, so if this isn’t currently part of your routine, you should start implementing it today. When you stretch your tissues, you improve healthy circulation, flexibility, correct movement patterns, balance and symmetry, performance, and overall well-being.
When the tissues are strong and restriction-free, they can better support range of motion and easily regain elasticity for full function.
Tip 3: Massage the shoulder
Massage therapy provides several benefits to both body and mind. Manipulating the affected tissues and muscle groups soothes tension and offers relaxation, removing pressure. Massage can also reduce mental stress that typically resides in the neck and can radiate into the shoulder.
By gently massaging the shoulder and surrounding areas, you’re enabling calmness throughout the body- physically, mentally, and emotionally.
These tips can help you get quick, natural pain relief without heading toward the medicine cabinet, but they may not give you the lasting results you need.
Chiropractic solutions, such as adjustments and soft tissue therapies, promote effective healing by restoring movement patterns, placement, and balance within the body. Working with a chiropractor to control your shoulder pain will ensure you get the correct solution strategy.
Visit Our Aurora Chiropractic Clinic for Shoulder Pain Relief
Your shoulder pain doesn’t have to get in the way of your active lifestyle or keep you from participating in the things you enjoy. Our Aurora chiropractic clinic has numerous methods to help you heal and get reliable, lasting results.
We know you want to live pain-free and without restriction. Let’s connect; contact us today.
Derek Rose
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