Shoulder Pain is the most common joint problem that anyone can experience. This condition can hinder the performance of daily activities and can even cause patients to be bedridden.
It is helpful to know if what you are experiencing is acute or chronic shoulder pain. An acute shoulder pain could come up suddenly and may last longer than six months. It may be caused by an injury or illness, which could go away once healed. You might want to consider shoulder pain acupuncture, which is one of the helpful remedies to treat shoulder pain.
Chronic Pain, on the other hand, is the one you should watch out for since it is ongoing and lasts longer than six months. It is usually caused by an underlying health condition and may hamper daily activities. Certain diseases can also bring about pain, which could include liver and heart diseases, and even gallbladder diseases.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, we have a list of 5 remedies you can try:
1. Pain Medication
Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen could provide temporary relief for shoulder pain, however, it is important that before taking any medications, patients with underlying conditions need to consult a medical professional. Pregnant women are also not advised to take these medications without proper consultation.
2. Application of Heat or Cold
Depending on your preference, applying heat or cold on the shoulder could help reduce the pain. When using heat, a warm shower or heating pad could be used to relax the shoulders. Make sure that you don’t use extremely high heat as this could damage the skin around the area.
As for people who prefer cold treatment, homemade ice packs or cold compresses could be used to relieve mild pain in the shoulder area. Make sure the ice packs are not too heavy to not put more pressure on the shoulder.
3. Eating the Right Foods
Your diet is a great place to start if you want to reduce shoulder pain. The food we eat has an impact on the health of our joints. Consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids/fish oils is the number one recommended source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is the essential nutrient needed to reduce inflammatory proteins in the body. These are found in cold-water fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon.
Nuts, seeds, and olive oil should also be added to your diet as these are also sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. And don’t forget to eat vegetables and fruits as they are also proven to reduce inflammation.
4. Stretches and Massages
Proper stretches and massages don’t only reduce shoulder pain but they can also prevent future injuries. When done properly, it could immediately relieve the pain without medication. However, it is important to know what stretches apply to the pain you are experiencing so as not to add any additional pain or injury. Consult a medical professional before doing any stretches and massages.
5. Acupuncture
Shoulder Pain Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that focuses on treating acute and chronic shoulder injury and may even resolve the pain completely. Pain relief acupuncture has been around for centuries for pain management using fine needles inserted in the body at specific points, also known as “acupoints” to balance the body’s energy and eventually heal the pain.
This treatment does not only treat the pain but can also help in balancing the body’s overall health. This is also a more holistic approach to pain management since this does not use any medication or chemically induced treatments. And yes! It is safe for both seniors and even pregnant women who are sensitive to medications.
Have you experienced a lot of pain in your shoulder lately, and do you need pain relief acupuncture? We know how difficult it can be. If you are looking for the most holistic approach to shoulder pain, talk to us at Colorado Orthopedic Acupuncture. Our skilled practitioners are experts in pain management and will also help you on your road to recovery. Book a consultation now!