Shoulder Pain Treatment

You should seek medical attention if your shoulder pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, is accompanied by swelling or bruising, limits your range of motion significantly, or if you experience instability (feeling like the shoulder may slip out of place).

Yes, many shoulder conditions can be treated successfully without surgery. Conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections are often effective. Surgery is typically recommended when conservative measures fail to provide relief or for more severe injuries like large rotator cuff tears.

Recovery varies by procedure. Arthroscopic surgery typically allows return to light activity in 4-6 weeks, with full recovery in 3-6 months. Rotator cuff repair requires 4-6 months of rehabilitation. Total shoulder replacement recovery takes about 6 months to a year. Dr. Feghhi will provide a personalized recovery timeline.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises, pendulum exercises, and strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles can help. However, it's important to consult with Dr. Feghhi or a physical therapist to ensure you're doing the right exercises for your specific condition. Avoid exercises that cause pain.

Yes, shoulder pain can often radiate down the arm. This is common with rotator cuff injuries, cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in the neck), and biceps tendon problems. The pain may travel down the front, side, or back of the arm, sometimes reaching the elbow or hand.

You should see a doctor if your shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks, is severe, is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or deformity, limits your ability to perform daily activities, or if you experience shoulder instability or weakness.