Athletes often push their bodies to the limit, and the repetitive motions involved in many sports can lead to shoulder pain. This discomfort can stem from acute injuries or chronic overuse, affecting an athlete’s ability to perform. Here is more information about shoulder pain, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated:
Identifying Common Causes
Athletes may experience shoulder pain due to the high demands placed on their joints during training. Repetitive overhead motions can lead to conditions like tendonitis or bursitis, and these issues often result from wear and tear over time. In sports that involve gripping or holding equipment, such as cycling or weight lifting, athletes may experience nerve compression from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injuries can also occur when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched during movement. This impingement causes irritation, and it may lead to long-term structural damage if left unaddressed. Because the shoulder is a mobile joint in the body, it is prone to instability and dislocations.
Evaluating Accurate Diagnostics
A medical professional begins the diagnostic process by performing a thorough physical examination. They will check for areas of tenderness, and they will also assess the overall range of motion in the joint. While a provider may diagnose some issues by viewing the outside structures, providers also use imaging tests to see internal structures.
X-rays allow providers to look at the bones for fractures or bone spurs. If a doctor suspects soft tissue damage, they might order more advanced imaging; these tests provide a clearer view of the ligaments and tendons. Accurate testing and professional evaluation help determine an effective health plan.
Applying Standard Treatments
For the initial treatment of athletic injuries, athletes can reduce inflammation and protect the joint. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatories to manage swelling, and they may recommend that the athlete temporarily immobilize the shoulder. Resting the area allows the body to begin the natural healing process.
Steroid injections are another common option for those dealing with persistent pain. These injections deliver medicine directly to the site of inflammation; patients may find some relief after a single treatment. Once the initial pain subsides, physical therapy helps rebuild strength and flexibility in the affected muscles.
Reviewing Interventional Options
When standard protocols do not fully resolve the issue, providers might suggest interventional therapies. These procedures target the nerves or use biological materials to support recovery. Here are some examples of interventional therapies:
- Nerve block: interrupts pain signals before they can reach the brain.
- Trigger point injection: treats tight knots in the muscle, releases tension, and improves blood flow.
- Radiofrequency ablation: uses heat to disable specific nerves.
- Spinal cord stimulation: uses a small device to send electrical pulses to the nerves.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate tissue repair.
- Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) therapy: provides a concentrated source of stem cells to promote healing.
Explore Shoulder Pain Management
If you are struggling with persistent discomfort or pain from a sports injury, reaching out to a specialist may help you find a treatment that fits your needs. A medical professional can help diagnose and treat shoulder pain resulting from many different causes, and they can recommend supplemental therapies as well. To learn more about the options available to you to treat shoulder pain, consult a medical provider near you.
