A sharp sting running down your arm is usually stemmed from a shoulder injury. The pain restricts that arm’s range of motion, which could further place you in a situation that keeps you at a disadvantage in carrying out your daily activities. However, in most cases, the shoulder can heal without the need to go under surgery.
Contacting a Jacksonville shoulder pain specialist can help get rid of this sensation and ensure a fast and safe recovery.
Here are a few pointers on how you can treat this pain:
- Physical therapy- In most cases and types of shoulder pain, using therapy could help relieve the pain. In severe cases of dislocation, surgery might be a better alternative. Usual wear and tear caused to the shoulder can be rectified by going to a physiotherapist. Physical therapy may include massage to help maintain the shoulders’ range of motion.
- Anti Inflammatory medication- Cortisone is a prevalent anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to minimize swelling and discomfort. Steroid injections, too, are widely used. In addition, you can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the pain and swelling. Keep in mind such medication is just a temporary solution.
- Cold compressions- Use a frozen gel pack or an ice pack on the area of the injury. While using ice, avoid direct ice to skin contact. Instead, use a cloth to wrap the ice and use it on the injured shoulder. Keep the cooling packs on for periods of twenty minutes at a time.
- Activity modification- The intensity at which any physical activity is carried out must be kept to a minimum. Avoid high intensity and strenuous tasks. This will help ensure muscle groups located around the shoulder remain flexible.
- Regenerative medicine- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy can awaken the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Any ailment in the tendon, muscle, and joint can be relieved using this therapy.
- Heat compressions- Heat can help relieve the tension and stiffness in the muscle. Using a hot water bottle or a hot towel can help provide some form of comfort to release the tightness in the shoulder.
- Compression bandages- Applying a cold compression bandage or a regular ACE bandage should help alleviate the pain and swelling in the shoulder. Do not wrap it tight as it could constrict the supply of blood. If the arm feels a bit numb or tingly, loosen the strapping.
In case of minor shoulder pain, these home remedies can work. However, if your shoulder pain remains for more than a few days, contact your doctor right away.
