Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hi, I have intense pain deep in my left upper shoulder when I move my arm in back of my body or pull up from my waist. When the pain subsides, my arm and hand both hurt and sometimes go a little numb. I have tried massage, heat and acupuncture. A hot bath seems to be the only thing to help it- until I make a motion again. I am struggling to find a comfortable position for sleep. Would you recommend PT or an MRI? Thanks!
Tue, 26 Aug 2014
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement, Dr. Saurabh Gupta's Response
Hello, Thanks for your query.
The pain in the shoulder like you are having can be due to tendonitis- inflammation of the rotator cuff or due to a muscle sprain or a labral tear. The exact diagnosis can be made only after an MRI scan of the shoulder. In most of the cases conservative treatment helps in complete recovery. Local steroid injections nay be needed to decrease the inflammation. Avoid doing any painful movements or exercises specially push ups. Here are some general treatment measures which you can follow:
1) Provide complete rest and avoid overhead activities. 2) Apply cold compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer after consulting your doctor. A physical therapy program that focuses on establishing non-painful shoulder motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscles will also be helpful. But the acute pain should subside before starting any physical therapy.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care
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What Causes Pain In Upper Shoulder?
Hello, Thanks for your query. The pain in the shoulder like you are having can be due to tendonitis- inflammation of the rotator cuff or due to a muscle sprain or a labral tear. The exact diagnosis can be made only after an MRI scan of the shoulder. In most of the cases conservative treatment helps in complete recovery. Local steroid injections nay be needed to decrease the inflammation. Avoid doing any painful movements or exercises specially push ups. Here are some general treatment measures which you can follow: 1) Provide complete rest and avoid overhead activities. 2) Apply cold compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer after consulting your doctor. A physical therapy program that focuses on establishing non-painful shoulder motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscles will also be helpful. But the acute pain should subside before starting any physical therapy. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care