Nonsurgical Treatment Choices for Shoulder Impingement
Effective nonsurgical treatment for shoulder impingement focuses on relieving your pain and inflammation. This is followed by using various therapeutic methods to restore your shoulder joint motion. It also focuses on restoring the strength and coordination of your affected shoulder.
Rest is key to healing your shoulder. If an activity hurts, don’t do it. Otherwise, you may prevent healing and increase pain. Your shoulder needs active rest. This means not doing overhead movements and activities that cause pain. But don't stop using your shoulder completely. This can cause it to stiffen or “freeze.” In addition to rest, impingement can be treated in many ways. Your health care provider can help you find which of these is best for you.
A physical therapist can also help you with exercises specific for your condition.
Listed below are several treatment choices that may be considered:
Ice
Ice reduces inflammation and relieves pain. Apply an ice pack for about 15 minutes, 3 times a day. A pillow placed under your arm may help make you more comfortable. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. This will prevent ice burns.
Heat
Thermotherapy is the application of heat to the body. The result is increased tissue temperature. Heat may soothe and relax aching muscles and increase circulation to the affected areas. This reduces pain and stiffness, but it won’t reduce inflammation. In fact, some research suggests it may make inflammation worse.
Use a heating pad or take a warm shower or bath. Do this for 15 minutes at a time.
Don't use heat when pain is constant. Heat is best when used for warming up before an activity. You can also switch between ice and heat.
Medicine
To relieve pain and inflammation, try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Or your health care provider may prescribe medicines. Ask how and when to take your medicine. Be sure to follow all instructions you’re given. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with your provider before using these medicines. Also, talk with your provider if you’ve had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and swelling. Your health care provider attaches small pads to your shoulder. A mild electric current then flows into your shoulder. You may feel tingling. But you should not feel pain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help reduce pain. First, a slick gel or medicated cream is applied to your shoulder. Then your health care provider places a small device over the area. The device uses sound waves to loosen shoulder tightness. This treatment should be pain-free.
Injection therapy
Injection therapy may be used to help diagnose your problem. It may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. The injection typically includes two medicines. One is an anesthetic to numb the shoulder. The other is a steroid, such as cortisone, to help reduce painful swelling. It can take from a few hours to a couple of days before the injection helps. Talk with your health care provider about the possible risks and benefits of this therapy.