Header: Treating Shoulder Aches & Pains



Understanding shoulder problems as well as methods of treatment and prevention can help individuals enjoy a healthy pain-free lifestyle.

Teenagers, senior citizens, athletes and non-athletes alike can experience shoulder problems due to injury, overuse or improper use of the shoulder resulting in such symptoms as weakness, stiffness and pain in the shoulder, neck and arms. Fortunately, several non-surgical treatment options are now available to help individuals work through discomfort and return to a healthy life.

Experiencing Difficulties

Several types of shoulder conditions result from inflammation. Tissues in the shoulder may become inflamed from overuse caused by performing the same activities day after day. A tennis player, for example, who consistently uses his right shoulder to serve the ball may experience tissue that is swollen or inflamed.

Bursitis and tendinitis are common shoulder injuries resulting from constant stress that inflames the joint and tissues. “Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed,” says Dr. Yibing Li, Founder and President of the Center for Pain Management & Rehabilitation in Peoria. “The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions muscles and bones in the shoulder joint. Similarly, an inflamed tendon results in tendinitis.”

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more tendons in the rotator cuff become inflamed through injury or overuse. The rotator cuff, which stretches between the upper arm and the shoulder blade, allows individuals to move their arm in various directions. Inflammation causes the tendons to become weak until they eventually tear.

“A patient with a rotary cuff tear may notice a clicking or grating sound or may have trouble lifting his arm,” says Dr. Li. “The tear may be small or tear all the way through.”

Arthritis occurs when pain and inflammation result as the cartilage supporting the shoulder bones wears away over time and the bones begin to rub together. “Arthritis can occur in either one or both joints in the shoulder,” says Dr. Li.

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain

A thorough evaluation can help physicians learn the cause of shoulder complications. Knowledge of a person’s medical history can contribute to a proper diagnosis. A shoulder exam encompassing the shoulder, neck and arm may also be necessary to pinpoint the source of the injury or discomfort.

In addition, a physician may need to study the structures inside a patient’s shoulder. “X-rays can help identify broken bones or shoulder dislocation while ultrasounds utilize sound waves to view the inner shoulder,” says Dr. Li. “An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, creates images of the shoulder joint using magnets.”

Treating Common Shoulder Problems

Shoulder conditions may be treated with the help of a physician who is specialized in joint/muscle diseases. Active rest is very beneficial and involves avoiding activities that could exacerbate shoulder pain, including lifting heavy objects or playing certain sports. Anti-inflammation medications may help acute shoulder pain. For severe shoulder pain, your doctor may use injection therapy to help reduce painful swelling or inflammation.

Exercise is also beneficial. “Exercise, including physical therapy, works to strengthen and stretch muscles and increase a person’s range of motion,” says Dr. Li.

Prolotherapy, a natural regenerative therapy, has been employed as an alternative to shoulder surgery for chronic shoulder pain, labral tears and rotator cuff tears. “Prolotherapy offers a lasting solution for chronic pain that has not been seen with traditional anti-inflammatory treatment,” says Dr. Li. “Most commonly, it is used to treat sports injuries, shoulder joint degeneration, tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, labral tear injuries and rotator cuff injuries.” See details at or

An Ounce of Prevention

Preventing future shoulder complications can be accomplished through regular exercise and by limiting activities that could place unwanted stress on a previous injury. Individuals should also make certain not to lean consistently on their arm or shoulder or engage in any activity that causes pain.

Dr. Yibing Li, MD, is the Medical Director for the Center for Pain Management & Rehabilitation (CPMR) and leads a multi-disciplinary pain management team in Peoria and Pekin. Dr. Li is specialized in nerve, muscle and joint diseases and interventional pain management. For more information, call 309-689-8888 or visit . The Center for Pain Management & Rehabilitation’s main office is located in Peoria at 5401 North Knoxville in the Proctor Professional Building, Suite 117.

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