June 28, 2022

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. Trau-matic tears (e.g. from a fall) are best managed within several weeks to months of the injury and is a reason to request an urgent evaluation.
  • Second, try conservative measures. Rest from overhead activities, try anti-inflammatories for pain, and attempt home exercises. See our website for good examples of exercises (www.made-by-gi-patrick.leopoldopirela.com/rehab). Focus on shoulder stretches if you have decreased mobility and strengthening exercises (Chapter 5) if you problem is overhead pain and weakness.
  • Third, if conservative measures don’t work and you are unable to come to the office, we may be able to set up a virtual visit (Telehealth) visit for you. This are particularly easy if you have already had imaging such as X-rays and/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 Ameri-ca and is the most widely published shoulder specialist in Oregon. Dr. Denard is com-mitted to providing the highest level of Orthopedic care to his patients. Dr. Denard has advanced arthroscopy training and is able to perform the vast majority of shoulder pro-cedures in a minimally invasive fashion, including all types of rotator cuff repairs and in-stability repair. These techniques allow him to repair tears that some consider "irrepara-ble." Providing every patient with advanced medicine and compassionate care each and every time.

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