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Worried about the pain in your shoulders? Tried everything? Not quite sure what to do? Let us help.
Here’s some information about Shoulder Pain and what our qualified GPs can offer to you!

Do you have Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder problems can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

You don’t always have to see a healthcare professional. New onset or flare-up of a longstanding shoulder problem should begin to settle within 6 weeks. 
However, Speak to a GP as soon as possible if there’s been significant trauma – for example a fall from height or direct blow to the shoulder – and your pain is preventing any shoulder movement at all.
 

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KEY TIP:
Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement. Remember to warm up fully before you start sporting activities.

Causes

Shoulder pain that does not improve after 2 weeks might be caused by something that needs treatment. Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you’re worried.

  • Pain and stiffness may be caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Pain that’s often worse while using your arm or shoulder can be caused by tendonitis or bursitis.
  • Tingling, numb, weak, feels like it’s clicking or locking – this can be caused by hyper-mobility.

Sudden very bad pain, cannot move your arm (or it’s difficult), sometimes changes shape – this could be a dislocated shoulder and requires urgent help. You should call 111 in this circumstance.

Things you can do!

The following advice may help alleviate some of the pain in the meanwhile:

  • Stay active and gently move your shoulder
  • Try exercises for shoulder pain – do them for 6 to 8 weeks to stop pain returning
  • Stand up straight with your shoulders gently back
  • Sit with a cushion behind your lower back
  • Rest your arm on a cushion in your lap
  • Use pain relief so you can keep moving – try painkillers like paracetamol and  ibuprofen, and heat or cold packs

 

Treatment

Our GPs will examine you to work out what’s causing your shoulder pain.
They might send you for tests (such as an X-ray) to check the cause.
They’ll suggest a treatment based on the cause, for example:

  • Stronger medication to ease pain and swelling
  • Physiotherapy or exercises to do at home
  • Things to avoid to stop the pain getting worse 
  • Seeing a specialist for tests or treatment

 

 
 

A doctor at your doorstep. Download our app and request a doctor. 

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, office, gym or where ever you may be, our highly experienced GP’s will come straight to you. Currently between zones 1 to 4.

 

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