Treat and Prevent Shoulder Pain in Vacaville

Just by rotating your arm, you will realize that your shoulder is a marvelous body part. It is the most flexible joint and one of the most essential. Almost all the daily tasks that you do requires your shoulder and from that alone, you can say that it is indeed remarkable.

How the shoulder works

The shoulder has three bones - the clavicle (collarbone), the humerus (upper arm bone), and the scapula (shoulder blade). The rotator cuff holds the humerus' ball in the socket formed by the clavicle and scapula.

When everything is in working condition, you can move your arms up and down, side to side, and in circles. But if any of ligaments or muscles in the rotator cuff gets weak or torn, the shoulder gets out of balance. You will notice right away because simple motions like reaching over your head or fastening your bra from behind becomes a difficult task.

Preventing shoulder injuries in Vacaville

It is a good idea to observe the things that you do routinely to prevent shoulder injuries in Vacaville. Even the little changes can go a long way in making your shoulder stable. It is suggested that you do the following:

• Ease into a new activity: When it is your first time on the pool, don't try to swim for 20 laps right away. When you are doing some gardening, don't finish everything at once. Give some time for your shoulders to adjust into the new set of tasks.
• Practice a simple exercise: Each time you stand up, straighten your back and press your shoulder blades together. This will make you feel great, and it will create a solid base for future activities.
• Make things easier on yourself: A step stool is good when reaching high shelves because it will not let you strain when doing it. For items that you use frequently, transfer them on lower drawers or shelves.

Treating shoulder pain

If your shoulder starts to ache after a rigorous activity, you can treat it using traditional methods like rest and ice. Avoid reaching overhead, but do not immobilize your shoulder by wearing a sling over it. To reduce inflammation, apply ice packs every few hours. You can also use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the pain.

If your shoulder pain is developing slowly or becoming persistent, it is best to check with your doctor. The longer you have pain, the more likely you are going to have limited shoulder movement. If you have difficulties lifting your arm over your head, then you may have developed a condition called "frozen shoulder." A physical therapist can be helpful since he or she can observe how you use your shoulder and may even help adjust your movements to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and loosen the ligaments and tendons.

For more tips on this or if you want to get your shoulder pain treated, then the clinic of Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA can help you with that. Just dial the number (707) 474-5688 to reach out and make an appointment with their clinic.