Two Parts: A sore shoulder is a relatively common problem among both men and women of all ages. Shoulder soreness can be caused by muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint dislocations and even mid back or neck issues. The most common reasons for developing a sore shoulder are exercising too hard, sports injuries and work-related mishaps.
Most sore shoulders are self-limiting and fade away within a week — sometimes quicker if you take care of it at home appropriately; however, sometimes sore shoulders need professional help for complete resolution. Rest your sore shoulder for a few days. The most common cause of a sore shoulder is either overuse (repetitive shoulder movements) or overexertion (lifting things that are too heavy).
If this is likely the cause of your sore shoulder, then stop the causative activity for a few days and rest it. Consider asking your boss if you can temporarily switch work stations or jobs to something less repetitive and demanding on your shoulders.
If your sore shoulder is caused from working out at the gym, then you may be lifting too heavy or using bad form — ask a personal trainer or athletic therapist for advice. Resting your sore shoulder for a few days is helpful, but putting it in an arm sling is not a good idea because it can lead to 'frozen' shoulder syndrome.
Your shoulder needs to move a little bit in order to stimulate blood flow and healing. Shoulder soreness is usually indicative of a simple muscle strain or pull, whereas sharp pains are indicative of joint/ligament injuries. Apply ice to an acutely sore shoulder. If your sore shoulder developed recently and looks or feels inflamed, then apply a bag of crushed ice (or something cold) to the most tender part in order to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
Popping Sound In Shoulder When Lifting Arm
Ice therapy is most effective for acute (recent) injuries that involve some sort of swelling because it reduces blood flow. Apply the crushed ice for 15 minutes 3-5x daily until the soreness subsides or completely fades away.
Compressing the crushed ice against the sorest part of your shoulder with a stretchy Tensor or Ace bandage is even more helpful for combating inflammation. Always wrap ice in a thin cloth before you apply it to any body part — it helps to prevent skin irritation or frostbite. If you don't have crushed ice handy, then use ice cubes, frozen gel packs or a bag of frozen veggies (peas or corn work great). Apply moist heat to a chronically sore shoulder. If your sore shoulder has been bothering you for many weeks or months, then it's considered a chronic injury. Avoid cold therapy for chronic injuries and use moist heat instead. Moist heat warms up muscles and other soft tissues by increasing blood flow, which can be helpful for soreness caused by old sports injuries and arthritis.
A good source of moist heat is microwavable bags filled with grains (such as wheat or rice), herbs and/or essential oils. Zap the herbal bag in the microwave for about 2 minutes and then apply it to sore muscles for 15 minutes first thing each morning or before any significant exercise.
Adding lavender or other specific essential oils to your herbal bag can help reduce your discomfort by relaxing you. Taking a warm bath is another great source of moist heat. Add a cup or two of Epsom salt to the bath water for even better results — its high magnesium content relaxes and soothes tight muscles and tendons. Avoid applying dry electrical heat from standard heating pads because it can dehydrate muscles and increase the risk of injury. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
If your sore shoulder ache isn't impacted greatly by applying ice or moist heat, then consider taking some OTC medication short term. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) are likely best for shoulder soreness that also involves significant inflammation — common with bursitis and tendinitis of the shoulder. Painkillers (also called analgesics) are likely better for shoulder pain without much swelling, such as low-grade muscle strains and osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type). The most common OTC painkiller is acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol). Anti-inflammatories and analgesics should always be considered short-term strategies for pain control.
Taking too much of them at a time or taking them for too long increases your risk of stomach, kidney and liver problems. If your sore shoulder feels extremely tight and is spasming, then an OTC muscle relaxant (such as cyclobenzaprine) might be a more effective medication. OTC muscle relaxants may not be available in the United States and must be obtained from a doctor. As a safer alternative, rub a cream/lotion/ointment that contains a natural pain reliever into your sore shoulder. Menthol, camphor, arnica and capsaicin are all helpful for relieving musculoskeletal pain. Do some shoulder stretches.
Your sore shoulder may also involve tight or stiff muscles, possibly due to repetitive strains, long-term bad posture or simply lack of use. As long as your shoulder pain isn't too unbearable with movement, then some light stretches 3-5x per day are likely of benefit. Sore and stiff muscles respond well to light stretching because it reduces tension, promotes blood flow and improves flexibility.
Hold any shoulder stretch for 30 seconds while deeply breathing. Stop if the soreness significantly increases. While standing or sitting up, reach around the front of your body and grab behind the opposite elbow.
Pull the back of your elbow across your chest until you feel the muscles stretch in the corresponding shoulder. While standing or sitting up, reach behind your back and grab the wrist of your affected shoulder.
Slowly pull down on the wrist until you feel the muscles stretch in the corresponding shoulder. Reconsider your sleeping position. Some sleeping postures can cause sore shoulders, especially those positions that involve placing your arm above your head. People who are obese also risk compacting and irritating their shoulder joints if they sleep on the sides (called the recumbent position). To avoid aggravating or causing shoulder pain, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach — sleep on your back instead. If only one shoulder is sore, it may be comfortable to sleep on the other side if your upper body isn't too heavy. Choosing a supportive pillow for your head can also take some pressure off your shoulder joints.
While sleeping on your back, consider using a small pillow to support and slightly elevate your sore shoulder. Sleeping on your side or stomach with your arm raised above your head not only irritates your shoulder joint, but it can compress the nerves that run from your neck to your arm. When this happens your typically feel numbness or tingling in your arm.
Make an appointment with your doctor. If your sore shoulder doesn't respond to the above-mentioned home remedies, then schedule an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam. Your doctor can take x-rays and other tests to determine the cause of your shoulder soreness. Western skies colorado.
Depending on the findings and diagnosis, your doctor may recommend stronger prescription drugs, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and/or shoulder surgery. Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of chronic shoulder pain — more than 4 million doctor visits per year in the United States are due to rotator cuff problems. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that hold the bones of the shoulder joint together. X-rays can detect fractures, dislocations, arthritis, bone tumors and infections, although an MRI or CT scan is needed to see serious issues in muscles, tendons and ligaments.
A corticosteroid injection (such as prednisolone) into a sore and inflamed shoulder (bursitis, tendinitis) can quickly reduce inflammation and pain, and allow for greater range of motion and flexibility. Shoulder surgery is reserved for mending broken bones, cleaning up damaged joints, reconnecting severed tendons and ligaments, removing blood clots, and draining accumulated fluid.
An Overview of Bicep Tendon Injuries Bicep tears can be related to a or an. The biceps is the muscle located on the front of the upper arm–just under the shoulder. It is a strong muscle in the upper arm region that helps you to rotate your arm, lift things and twist your elbow. The biceps tendons attach the biceps muscle to bones in both the elbow and the shoulder. If these tendons become torn, either through a fall, a sports related injury (see ) or from extreme wear and tear, strength in the upper arm can become lost and movement in the upper arm painful. There are a couple of varieties of a biceps tendon tear:. A partial tear is a tear that does not completely sever the tendon.
The tears can occur at the shoulder (proximal tears) or at the elbow (distal tears) Most tears are the result of on-going, continuous strain and wear and tear on the biceps muscle and tendon. This is most commonly seen in weight and strength training and usually starts with just a simple fraying of the tendon. As the injured tendon progresses, it will eventually tear.
These tears can occur in two distinct ways:. At the shoulder joint: A proximal biceps tendon rupture is an injury to the biceps tendon as it enters the shoulder joint. The tendon is vulnerable to injury here because it makes a sharp right-turn to enter the shoulder joint and it moves in and out the shoulder up to 2 inches with shoulder motion.
This is the most common area for the bicep tendon to tear and typically occurs in patients 60 years of age or older. This injury if frequently associated with rotator cuff tears.
In some instances it creates minimal symptoms and can heal on its own; in other cases there is significant deformity (Popeye muscle) and cramping. In some cases surgery can be helpful to treat the symptoms of cramping, weakness, and deformity.: A distal biceps tendon rupture is an injury that occurs at the elbow joint. It most commonly affects middle-aged men and is caused by heavy lifting or sports. There is usually a loud ‘pop’ when the tear occurs. Most people who suffer from this injury will need to have surgery in order to correct the problem. Symptoms of Bicep Tendon Injury Symptoms associated with a torn biceps tendon include sudden, sharp upper arm pain—sometimes with a noticeable snap or popping sound. Cramping, bruising, pain and tenderness of the shoulder, biceps and elbow are common.
In addition, it will most likely be difficult to turn the palm up or down. Treatment for Bicep Tendon Injury It is important to note that the biceps has two attachments at the shoulder: a long head and a short head. The long head is the tendon at the shoulder that is most frequently injured. Short head biceps injuries are exceedingly rare, while long head biceps injures are exceedingly common. Because of this second attachment at the shoulder, many people can still function and use their biceps even wihen the long head of the biceps is severely damaged or completely torn. With that said, many people can still function with a biceps tendon tear, and only need simple treatments to relieve symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treating a torn biceps tendon non-surgically will include resting the arm that is injured and avoiding any heavy lifting or the activity that may have caused the injury (i.e. Weight training). Applying cold packs and ice will help with swelling and overall pain. You can also take anti-inflammatory medications and non-steroid drugs for pain relief. We will consult with you on various at-home physical therapy exercises you can do in order to help with flexibility and strength. Surgical Several new torn biceps tendon procedures are available to repair the injured tendon with minimal incisions using.
The goal of the surgery is to re-anchor the torn tendon back to the bone. At the shoulder, the long head of the biceps is typically re-attached using a subpectoral (deep to the chest muscle) approach that anchors the long head biceps tendon into the upper part of the arm bone (proximal humerus) using a small screw and suture.
Millett has literally done over a thousand of these procedures with excellent success. Once it is healed patients have normal strength and function, the scar becomes invisible in the armpit, and the muscle appearance returns to normal.
When the biceps tendon is injured at the elbow, the repair is done with a small incision and reattachment of the torn tendon back to the forearm bone (radius) using sutures and a small fixation device. Millett has also been involved with the development and teaching behind this technique as well. Excellent results can be expected with full recovery in 3-4 months. For additional resources on bicep tendon injuries, please contact the office of Dr. Peter Millett. I’m not one of Dr.
Millett’s famous patients, but he and his staff made me feel like one. For 8 years—since I was 14—I suffered from chronic scapula pain. Sixteen doctors, countless diagnostic tests and 4 weeks at one of the top chronic pain management clinics in the country failed to diagnose, let alone relieve my pain. So I searched the internet and found Dr. Like all the other doctors, he did not see any abnormalities on my images; but unlike the other doctors, he did not stop there. He did not make me any promises, but he offered me a surgical plan and, most importantly, hope. By that time, I had forgotten how to hope.
I am now a little over 6 weeks post-op and my pain is gone. I feel great and now look forward to resuming a full practice, recording and performance schedule (I’m a professional musician). Millett and his staff are second to none. If you have a seemingly unsolvable medical problem, I have hope for you; and the reason for my hope are Dr. Millett and his staff. My name is Scott R., am 60 years old, and have been very physically active all my life.
Millett has done both my L/R total shoulder replacements and two knee arthroscopic procedures. In short, Dr. Millett is a superb physician possessing extraordinary surgical skill, highest degree of patient care, and great bedside manner.I am so appreciative that Dr. M and his team got me back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. It is very obvious Dr. Millett/his team are committed to achieving the best possible surgical outcome. Before I elected to have L/R total shoulder replacements I had endured several shoulder surgeries done by other orthopedic physicians.
None were completely successful evidenced by my residual level of pain and reduced range of motion.I was skeptical of a total shoulder replacement as I feared I would have to give up many activities I had enjoyed all my life. I was also concerned the shoulder prosthetic implants would loosen over time. Millett and his P.A., Brian Davis, carefully examined my shoulders in a thorough manner. They both exuded such a confident manner that I left the exam fully assured I was in the best possible hands.I am now two years post both L and R shoulder replacement surgery. I could not be happier with the result and am enjoying all the physical pursuits I did before the surgeries. I also want to state that I am grateful Dr. Millett has repeatedly advocated for me to get MRIs, arthrograms, and preferred medications approved by my insurance company.
It is yet another example of his commitment to the highest level of patient care. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Millett and his team!I recommend Dr.Millett to you without reservations. He is superb!Scott R.Golden, CO. Millett and his team do extraordinary work.
Millett, Brian, Joe and Jason all worked together really well. Brian showed me my MRI and x-ray. He showed me the tear in my meniscus and where my ACL had snapped. Millet gave me my options, and as this was the 2nd ACL on my right knee, I asked his advice.
He explained my options very thoroughly so that I could make an informed decision. He did everything he could to save my meniscus and repair my ACL. A month and a half later, everything is healing as expected. This is my 3rd knee surgery and by far the best experience I've ever had. I highly recommend Dr. I’m not one of Dr. Millett’s famous patients, but he and his staff made me feel like one.
For 8 years—since I was 14—I suffered from chronic scapula pain. Sixteen doctors, countless diagnostic tests and 4 weeks at one of the top chronic pain management clinics in the country failed to diagnose, let alone relieve my pain. So I searched the internet and found Dr. Like all the other doctors, he did not see any abnormalities on my images; but unlike the other doctors, he did not stop there. He did not make me any promises, but he offered me a surgical plan and, most importantly, hope.
By that time, I had forgotten how to hope. I am now a little over 6 weeks post-op and my pain is gone.
I feel great and now look forward to resuming a full practice, recording and performance schedule (I’m a professional musician). Millett and his staff are second to none. If you have a seemingly unsolvable medical problem, I have hope for you; and the reason for my hope are Dr. Millett and his staff.
'Not only is Dr. Millett an amazingly gifted surgeon, he is also one of the most thoughtful, caring and compassionate physicians I have ever met.'
Two Parts: An achy shoulder is pretty common and can be triggered by numerous issues, including muscle strain, ligament sprain, joint dislocation, dysfunction in the spine (neck or mid-back), or even heart disease. However, the most common cause of shoulder ache is mildly pulled muscles and/or ligaments, usually from over-use at work or overdoing it with exercise. Most achy shoulders are self-limiting and resolve within a week — sometimes even quicker if you use helpful home remedies. For more severe shoulder injuries, professional help may be needed, including (in rare instances) surgery. Rest your shoulder and be patient. In most cases, the cause of an achy shoulder is overuse or overexertion — in other words, repetitive shoulder motions or lifting things that are too heavy. If this sounds like the cause of your shoulder problem, then stop the irritating activity for a few days or so.
If your shoulder injury is work related, then ask your boss if you can temporarily switch activities (to something less repetitive or demanding) or change work stations. If your shoulder injury is related to working out, then you may be lifting weights that are too heavy or training with bad form — talk to a personal trainer for advice. Resting your shoulder is a good idea, but completely immobilizing it in a sling is not recommended for minor shoulder injuries — it can promote the development of 'frozen' shoulder. At least some gentle shoulder movement is needed to encourage blood flow and stimulate healing. Achy pain is usually indicative of a muscle pull, whereas sharp pain with movement is often caused by joint / ligament injuries. Bursitis and tendon pain in the shoulder is usually worse at night while in bed.
Popping Sound In Shoulder When Lifting Weights
Apply an icepack to your shoulder. If your achy shoulder looks or feels swollen, then apply an icepack (or something cold) to the most tender area in order to reduce the inflammation and numb the pain. Ice therapy is best for acute injuries that involve inflammation. Apply the icepack for about 15 minutes every couple of hours until the symptoms in your shoulder subside or go away. Compressing the icepack against your shoulder with a Tensor or Ace bandage is even more effective at reducing inflammation. Always wrap ice in a thin towel before you apply it to any injury — it prevents skin irritation and frostbite. If you don't have ice cubes, then consider using a frozen gel pack or bag of veggies from the freezer.
Try applying moist heat instead. If your achy shoulder is chronic (long term) and feels particularly stiff first thing in the morning or prior to exercise, then apply moist heat to it instead of ice. Moist heat warms up the soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) and increases blood flow to the area, which can be helpful for achiness caused by osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type) or old sports injuries. Good sources of moist heat are microwavable bags filled with grains (usually wheat or rice), herbs and/or essential oils.
Apply the heat for 15-20 minutes first thing in the morning or before exercise. Taking a warm bath also provides moist heat. Add some Epsom salt for even more muscle relaxing and soothing potential. Avoid dry heat from traditional heating pads because it can dehydrate soft tissues and increase the risk of injury. Take over-the-counter pills. If your shoulder ache is too much to bear and isn't impacted significantly by the application of either cold therapy or moist heat, then consider taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or painkillers. Anti-inflammatories are most appropriate for significant shoulder swelling (such bursitis and tendonitis) and include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
Painkillers (analgesics) are most appropriate for nondescript pain not caused by inflammation and include acetaminophen (Tylenol and Paracetamol). Remember that these medications are short-term solutions for shoulder pain and not meant for daily use beyond a few weeks due to their negative impact on the liver, kidneys and stomach. Alternatively, you can try muscle relaxants (such as cyclobenzaprine) for your shoulder ache, but never take them together with other medications. Ibuprofen is not appropriate for very young children, whereas acetaminophen is not recommended for those under the age of 18 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Do some simple shoulder stretches. Your shoulder ache may be caused by stiff and tight muscles, possibly due to poor posture or lack of use. As long as you don't feel sharp, electric or stabbing pain with shoulder movements, then light shoulder stretches are likely of benefit. Sore and tight muscles respond well to stretching because it reduces muscle tension, promotes blood flow and improves flexibility. Shoulder flexibility is important because it has the most range of motion of any joint in the body for a reason. Hold shoulder stretches for about 30 seconds while deeply breathing and do them 3-5x daily until the achiness diminishes. While you're standing or sitting up, reach around the front of your torso and grab underneath the opposite elbow.
Pull on the back of your flexed elbow across your torso until you feel a nice stretch in the corresponding shoulder. Also while standing straight or sitting up, reach behind your back and up towards your shoulder blade and interlock with your other hand. Slowly pull down on the hand attached to the achy shoulder until you feel a stretch. Consider changing your workstation. Your achy shoulder might be caused by a poorly designed work station. If your computer, desk and/or chair isn't positioned properly for your height and body type, it can put strain on your shoulders, neck and mid-back. Rethinking the color line readings in race and ethnicity.
As such, when sitting at your desk and looking straight ahead: your eyes should be looking at the top 1/3 of the monitor; your forearms should be roughly parallel with the floor when typing and supported by arm rests; your elbows should be within a few inches from your sides; and your feet should be positioned flat on the floor. If you work standing up, make sure your body isn't constantly rotated or twisted — maintaining symmetry and balance is the key. To prevent shoulder injury, minimize overhead work by using a taller ladder or getting closer to your task.
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