There are a lot of different kinds of arthritis shoulder pain. The shoulder is a complicated joint, and it is subjected to lots of different stresses throughout the course of a person’s life. As people get older, injuries that took place to the shoulder while younger can show up in the form of arthritis. This can cause pain, a narrower range of motion, the inability to do normal everyday activities like throw a ball, and a more limited lifestyle in general.
Just because the doctor calls a shoulder injury arthritis does not mean that the rest of the body is suddenly going to be subjected to arthritis also. It also does not mean that surgery is going to be required. When discussing the situation with a doctor, arthroscopic shoulder surgery as well as shoulder joint replacement are always an option, but it is certainly worth it to look for alternatives.
A cortisone shot with a long needle will sometimes give relief for a while, but it does little to address the underlying issue. If one wants to avoid surgery and shots that provide temporary relief, other treatment options should be explored.
After a person has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury, many doctors recommend physical therapy in order to delay or eliminate surgery. The orthopedic doctors, however, do not provide the physical therapy themselves. It is up to the patient to find the resources that will give them the opportunity to avoid the risky shoulder surgery. This also is the case for people that require rotator cuff rehab or have other issues with their shoulders.
One can do these shoulder pain exercises by oneself, without the guidance of a professional physical therapist. Specific exercises and stretches that are designed to strengthen and limber up all the muscles and tendons around the shoulder should be done on a regular basis. Once this program is complete, if the pain is still there, then additional evaluation by a healthcare professional is called for.
Find out more about shoulder pain exercises and rotator cuff rehab for arthritis shoulder pain.