Shoulder pain can easily turn into a nuisance but it is worse when it becomes chronic. You might be tempted to grit your teeth and push through it, especially if you’re into sports or physical activities that require the use of your shoulder. However, the real question to ask yourself is whether it is okay to ignore this pain and push through it. Let’s dive into this topic and learn more about it in consultation with a chiropractor and a physiotherapist.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
First, let’s take a look at what causes shoulder pain. It could be due to various reasons, including wear and tear, injury, overuse, or an underlying health condition. Whatever the cause, in most cases, shoulder pain is a sign that something is wrong and requires intervention. Pushing through it may aggravate the condition, leading to further complications. It’s essential to identify the cause and address it for better recovery.
The Role of Chiropractor
Your chiropractor would argue that shoulder pain should not be ignored, as it could indicate an underlying problem with your overall health and well-being. They would recommend you to take a break from exercises, sports, and other physical activities until they figure out the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. After evaluating your condition, the chiropractor can provide a treatment plan that best suits your needs. This inclusive health care plan will provide a holistic approach to not only alleviate the symptoms of shoulder pain but restore overall health.
The Role of Physiotherapist
On the other hand, a physiotherapist would advise you to avoid pushing through shoulder pain as it could lead to damaging the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the affected area. The physiotherapist would recommend certain exercises and treatments that can help alleviate the pain while increasing mobility and flexibility. Physiotherapy will work on the local biomechanical base of treatment, with an end goal to restore optimal function.
Listening to Your Body
The bottom line is, you should listen to your body. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t ignore it. It may not be a significant issue, but it could also be indicating a severe problem. Pushing through the pain will only exacerbate your condition and prolong the recovery time. Instead, seek medical advice and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Shoulder Pain Prevention
As the age-old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. You can take measures to prevent shoulder pain by warming up before exercising, wearing protective gear while playing sports, maintaining good posture, keeping stress levels under check, and exercising correctly.
In summary, is it okay to push through shoulder pain? It’s crucial to approach shoulder pain with caution and be mindful of any exercise you perform. While a chiropractor would recommend rest and a physiotherapist would recommend exercises, both would advise you to acknowledge your pain and seek medical advice. The key take away from this blog is prevention and incorporating physical activity that is tailored to your individual needs while keeping an eye on the biomechanics of your shoulder. By doing so, you can help reduce the risk of chronic shoulder pain while enhancing your overall health and wellbeing.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
