It’s important to take care of your shoulders and keep them healthy, as they help you move and perform everyday activities. This can be done by performing exercises that strengthen and stretch your shoulder muscles and avoiding activities that can cause injury.
If you do experience shoulder pain, it’s important to reach out to a specialist. Depending on the severity, they may be able to show you how to avoid shoulder replacement surgery and recommend alternative treatments.
This surgery is a very invasive procedure. It should only be considered as a last resort when all other options have failed. The surgery can be quite painful, and the recovery process can be lengthy and difficult.
Here are a few helpful ways to understand when you would need surgery, and how you can best avoid having to resort to that.
Why Would You Need a Shoulder Replacement?
Arthritis in your shoulder, where the cartilage in your shoulder joint wears down and becomes stiff and painful, can be an indicator that you might need a shoulder replacement. This can make it difficult to move your shoulder and perform everyday activities.
Other indicators that would cause you to need shoulder replacement surgery include rotator cuff tears or a shoulder fracture. A fracture typically occurs due to an accident or hard fall, but it isn’t as common as a rotator cuff tear.
This tear is caused when the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint rip due to overuse or constant strain on those muscles and tendons. This can cause pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
You’ll want to do all you can to prevent those injuries from happening. Here are a few tips to assist with how to avoid shoulder replacement surgery altogether.
3 Ways to Avoid Shoulder Replacement Surgery
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to promote overall shoulder health and build the muscles around the joint. It can help you strengthen your shoulder muscles, improve your range of motion, and reduce your pain. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s a good idea to consult with a physical therapist to see if they can help.
2. Activity Change
Avoiding activities that put unwarranted stress on your shoulder can help prevent injury. This can include activities such as lifting heavy objects or extensive reaching overhead. Putting too much stress on your shoulder can make the pain worse and can also lead to further injury.
3. Supplements and Medications
There are a few supplements and medications that can help you deal with the pain and rebuild collagen. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are supplements that can help rebuild your cartilage, which can help reduce pain and improve your range of motion. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Consult with your physician about which supplements or medications they would recommend to assist with pain or provide necessary treatment. They can recommend a plan for you on how to avoid shoulder replacement surgery, if possible.
The Bottom Line
Shoulder pain can be debilitating and frustrating. Do your best to take care of your shoulders and keep them healthy by performing exercises that strengthen and stretch your shoulder muscles, and avoiding activities that can cause injury.
If you do experience shoulder pain, it’s essential to reach out to a specialist for help. For more information about promoting shoulder health, contact The Orthopedic Partners, an RCM Clinic today!