What are the non-surgical treatment options for shoulder pain?
In most cases of treating shoulder pain, a physician will opt for non-surgical treatments before choosing an invasive procedure, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The AAOS states that physical therapy is often the most effective treatment for shoulder pain, for a variety of causes of the discomfort. A physician may also try medications to either reduce inflammation, numb the affected area, or relieve pain, according to the AAOS.
Other shoulder problems are treated with the RICE method, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
- Rest the shoulder for a period of time
- Ice the affected area for several minutes a few times a day
- Compression; add pressure to the injured area
- Elevation; keep the injured area above heart level
For more information about non-surgical shoulder pain treatments, talk to your doctor.
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