4 Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis occurs when the tendons and surrounding ligaments of the shoulder become inflamed or overused. It often results in pain, swelling and restricted mobility of the affected area. If you have been diagnosed with tendonitis of your shoulder, there are several measures you can take to help you heal naturally. You might want to try a few of these actions before you resort to taking medications, as many drugs may cause unpleasant side effects. With the approval of someone from a place like Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon, try some of the following all natural treatments to help alleviate the inflammation and discomfort, and speed up healing:
1. Ice It Down
At the initial onset of shoulder tendonitis, it's important to use ice to the affected area. Applying ice will help reduce swelling and inflammation. It may also help relieve the pain. Use an ice pack on your affected shoulder for up to 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Do this for the first 48 hours or so. Remember to wrap the ice in a cloth, and never apply ice directly to the skin.
2. Rest the Area
It's also important to restrict unnecessary movement and activity involving the affected shoulder until it begins to heal. This involves restraining from strenuous activities or repetitive motion while you are healing. In addition, your doctor may recommend you use a shoulder sling immobilizer which will help brace the area and keep you from re-injuring it.
3. Consume Anti-inflammatory Foods
An anti-inflammatory diet will supply all the antioxidants that your body needs to recover. In addition, anti-inflammatory foods can help fight stress that leads to inflammation. Fresh fruits, such as blueberries and cherries, are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Leafy greens are a good source as well. Seafood such as salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, another ingredient that helps combat inflammation. Additionally, you might want to add some anti-inflammatory supplements to your diet, such as ginger and turmeric.
4. Ask Your Doctor About Physical Therapy
In some cases, physical therapy may help restore mobility and facilitate healing. Physical therapy for shoulder tendonitis will need to be prescribed by your doctor, however. Your physical therapist will devise a program that is designed to help you feel better. This may include weekly sessions that involve exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen the tendons and joints. He or she will also show you how to avoid further pain or injury, such as proper ergonomics at work or at home, as well as the correct posture to help you cope.