Prevention and Treatment of Shoulder Injuries

A shoulder injury is a significant inconvenience for athletes of all sports. These injuries can lead to pain and problems with movement, which may need attention from a medical professional. To prevent these sorts of injuries, it is vital to strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulders and maintain mobility in the joints. Keeping the muscles strong is not enough, however. A regular stretching program focusing on the rotator cuff muscles will help keep the shoulders loose even while at rest.

There are many different causes of shoulder injuries. One of the most common causes is a problem with the rotation of the humerus bone in its socket of the scapula. An injury can cause this, but it can also develop over time as part of the normal aging process due to deterioration of cartilage within the joint. If you have a shoulder injury, you may need to see a specialist in shoulder injuries in La Jolla for treatment, especially if it causes you pain.

How to Prevent Shoulder Injuries

• Stay In shape

Some muscles will begin to lose mass if you are not active or have recently become less active, and some may even waste away. This is especially true of the rotator cuff muscles, which keep the shoulder stable. A proper strengthening routine will help to maintain the strength of these muscles.

• Reduce stress on your joints

Older athletes, especially those over forty years old, should be particularly diligent about reducing strain on their shoulders. Wearing pads or safety gear during sports can help reduce the impact on the shoulder directly, which reduces the risk of injury and shoulder pain.

• Maintain Proper Posture

To keep your shoulders from becoming stressed, it is vital to maintain good posture. Good posture means the height of your ears should be equal to the top of your shoulders, and your hips should be even with or behind your knees. In other words, do not allow yourself to stoop over as this puts too much strain on your shoulder joints.

Treating Shoulder Injuries

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Many doctors will recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen to reduce pain from an injury. These can help reduce swelling in the shoulder and alleviate some of the discomforts that come with inflammation of the tendons and ligaments in your joints.

• Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce the swelling and pain associated with certain types of shoulder injuries. If you have severe damage in your rotator cuff or an impingement, these injections may provide relief from pain and help you avoid surgery.

• Surgery

If all else fails, you may require surgery. Surgery can repair torn tendons, remove bone spurs or correct the natural shape of the bones in the shoulder. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, which you should discuss with your doctor before undergoing treatment.

To summarize, shoulder injuries have become increasingly popular, especially among people who engage in intense physical activities. The good news is you can prevent damage by staying in shape, maintaining correct posture, and reducing stress on your joints. If you happen to suffer from a shoulder injury, you can treat it through surgery, corticosteroid injections, or anti-inflammatory medications.