Do I Need Rehabilitation for My Shoulder Pain?

Do I need rehabilitation for my hand?

Hello Doctor: About 10 days ago, I noticed some discomfort in my left shoulder after waking up in the morning.
Two days later, I realized that I could only raise my arm to shoulder level at most; lifting my arm higher was somewhat difficult and painful.
I can move my arm below the elbow without issues, but there is some limitation in shoulder movement, and I can't pinpoint the exact area of discomfort.
Eventually, the pain became bothersome, so I sought medical attention.
The doctor diagnosed me with inflammation of a tendon in my shoulder.
After taking medication at home, I felt much better, but I still experience some discomfort, which is a persistent pain.
However, I can raise and lower my arm normally; I just feel discomfort when lifting it higher.
During a follow-up visit, I informed the doctor that I still felt some discomfort, and he suggested that I might need physical therapy.
Can I fully recover by just taking medication? Is physical therapy definitely necessary? My dominant hand is my right hand, and I usually do not play sports or engage in vigorous activities.
I do aerobic dance once a week for about an hour.
During these days of discomfort, I have tried to avoid lifting heavy objects with my left hand, but the muscles around my left shoulder and shoulder area feel sore.
I have no idea why my arm suddenly feels uncomfortable.
Additionally, I would like to ask if doing aerobic dance is good or bad for my current shoulder condition.
Thank you for taking the time to read my description and questions!

amanda, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/21

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics

You have a problem with raising your left shoulder, but it has improved after taking medication.
It may be due to tendonitis, but there is still discomfort, and there could be issues with other rotator cuff muscles.
Further examination is needed to determine if it will affect your ability to participate in aerobic dance.
It is recommended to visit an orthopedic clinic for a more thorough diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2009/12/21

More Info

Shoulder pain can be a significant issue, especially when it affects your daily activities and quality of life. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced some inflammation in the shoulder area, which has led to limited mobility and discomfort. The fact that you can raise your arm to a certain extent but experience pain when trying to lift it higher indicates that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In your case, rehabilitation could be beneficial for several reasons. First, while medication can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, it may not address the root cause of your shoulder issues. Rehabilitation, particularly physical therapy, focuses on restoring function, improving strength, and enhancing flexibility in the affected area. A physical therapist can provide you with a tailored exercise program that targets the specific muscles and tendons around your shoulder, which may help in your recovery.

Rehabilitation typically includes a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises. Stretching can help improve your range of motion, while strengthening exercises can help stabilize the shoulder joint and prevent future injuries. It's important to note that rehabilitation does not have to be painful; while some discomfort may be expected during certain exercises, it should not be excruciating. If you find that exercises are causing significant pain, it’s crucial to communicate this with your therapist so they can adjust your program accordingly.

Regarding your question about whether you can fully recover with just medication, it’s important to understand that while anti-inflammatory medications can provide temporary relief, they do not promote healing of the underlying structures. Rehabilitation is often necessary to ensure that the shoulder regains its full function and strength. In many cases, individuals who engage in rehabilitation tend to recover more completely and have a lower risk of re-injury compared to those who rely solely on medication.

As for your concern about aerobic dance, it can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, engaging in low-impact aerobic activities can help maintain overall fitness and promote blood circulation, which is beneficial for healing. On the other hand, if the movements involved in the dance exacerbate your shoulder pain or lead to further discomfort, it may be wise to modify your routine or take a break until you have fully recovered. Listening to your body is key; if you experience pain during or after dancing, it may be best to avoid those activities until you have consulted with a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, while medication can help manage your symptoms, rehabilitation is often a necessary component of recovery for shoulder pain. It can provide you with the tools and exercises needed to regain strength and mobility in your shoulder. I recommend discussing your rehabilitation options with your doctor or a physical therapist, who can guide you through a program tailored to your specific needs. Remember, the goal is to not only alleviate pain but also to restore full function to your shoulder, allowing you to return to your normal activities without discomfort.

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