What to do with your shoulder pain during COVID-19

With all the news about the coronavirus outbreak, it's only natural to worry about our well-being and safety. It can be especially difficult if you are finding yourself experiencing ongoing shoulder pain. Here are some helpful things to remember if your shoulder pain has increased or returned.

First, most shoulder pain is not urgent

A tear of a rotator cuff, for example, will be okay if managed within 3-6 months in most cases. An exception would be loss of ability to raise the arm, or a traumatic injury. Traumatic tears — for example from a fall — are best managed within several weeks to months of the injury, and are a reason to request an urgent evaluation.

Second, try conservative measures

Rest from overhead activities, try anti-inflammatories for pain, and attempt home exercises. Focus on shoulder stretches if you have decreased mobility, and strengthening exercises if your problem is overhead pain and weakness.

Third, consider a virtual visit

If conservative measures don't work and you are unable to come to the office, we may be able to set up a virtual (telehealth) visit for you. This is particularly easy if you have already had imaging such as X-rays or an MRI. Most insurance is accepted — please give our office a call to set up an appointment.

Stay healthy.

Dr. Patrick Denard has been voted one of the top 20 Shoulder Surgeons in North America and is the most widely published shoulder specialist in Oregon. Dr. Denard has advanced arthroscopy training and is able to perform the vast majority of shoulder procedures in a minimally invasive fashion, including all types of rotator cuff repairs and instability repair. These techniques allow him to repair tears that some consider "irreparable."