Shoulder pain? Possible causes and 4 treatment methods

Shoulder pain is an unpleasant sensation and can be quite debilitating throughout the day. That is why it is important to identify the cause. Read on to find out the possible causes of your shoulder pain and how best to treat these symptoms.

What could be causing your shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain can have various causes. For example, you might experience shoulder pain after sleeping due to poor posture or a fall in which you landed on your shoulders. Here are some other causes of shoulder pain:

  • Joint problems such as osteoarthritis or a frozen shoulder
  • Postural problems, which can also cause shoulder pain even after rest
  • Muscle or tendon problems such as overuse, strain or inflammation

It is important to identify the cause so that you can choose the right treatment method. This is crucial for treating the pain effectively, particularly in the case of inflammation.

What does inflammation in the shoulder feel like?

You can usually recognise inflammation by its typical signs. These include shoulder pain and neck pain, as the pain can radiate to other areas. You’ll also often experience stiffness, warmth, swelling and pain after rest. Fortunately, there are various ways to treat shoulder pain, including that caused by inflammation.

schouderpijn

Source: Pexels

4 ways to treat shoulder pain

1. Rest and adjust your posture

If you’re suddenly experiencing a lot of discomfort, it’s important to take it easy. Do keep moving gently to prevent stiffness, but don’t put too much strain on the area. For example, if you have pain between your shoulders, this may be due to overuse; in that case, pay attention to the posture you often adopt when sitting or standing.

2. Use ice or heat

For acute swelling or pain, you can use ice to reduce inflammation. For nagging pain or stiffness, heat can actually help to relax the muscles.

3. Do shoulder pain exercises and, if necessary, see a physiotherapist

Do stretching exercises to keep your shoulder supple and strengthen the muscles. A physiotherapist can advise you on the best exercises for your specific condition.

4. Use red light therapy

Use red light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for long-term symptoms or injuries. It stimulates tissue repair, improves blood flow and can therefore enhance mobility. These days, you can easily use this treatment yourself at home.

rood licht therapie apparaat kopen

Does red light therapy help with shoulder pain?

Red light therapy helps with shoulder pain. It is particularly effective if the pain is caused by muscles, tendons or inflammation. Here’s what red light can do:

  • Pain relief: the red light penetrates the skin and tissues, thereby stimulating cell repair and the release of endorphins. This reduces pain signals.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: it reduces local inflammation and swelling. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as tendinitis.
  • It speeds up the recovery process: red light improves blood circulation, ensuring that muscles and tendons receive more oxygen and nutrients.
  • It improves mobility: stiffness is reduced and shoulder mobility is enhanced.

To get the most out of red light therapy, you can use it in combination with other exercises. It is also always important to pay attention to your posture and to identify the underlying cause of the pain.

PowerCure red light therapy for painful shoulders

The PowerCure laser is a red light therapy device that you can use for shoulder pain. The device is designed for self-use, so you can treat your own symptoms. What’s more, it’s not only suitable for treating symptoms in people, but even in animals! This means your whole household can benefit from the red light therapy device.

Shop the PowerCure laser