There are many myths about shoulder pain that most of us know about. But it is important to know about the truths as well.

MYTH: Heat will loosen up a painful shoulder joint while ice “freezes” things up.

TRUTH: Both ice and heat can be excellent modalities to help bring relief from pain and inflammation.

The physiological effects of heat therapy include pain relief and increases in blood flow, and metabolism, and mostly help in chronic pain.

The physiological effects of cold therapy include reductions in pain, blood flow, edema, inflammation, and muscle spasms and help in acute pain.

MYTH: Shoulder pains are going to stay forever if once had/Shoulder pain is always a sign of a serious problem.

TRUTH: Unfortunately this myth has been rolling since the time unknown.

Thorough clinical and radiological examination of the shoulder and creating an individualized treatment plan that brings both relief from pain and a way to address the root cause can help you relieve your shoulder pain.

MYTH: Surgery is the only way to treat shoulder injuries.

TRUTH: Shoulder surgery is typically reserved for severe shoulder injuries and those who are not responding to conservative therapy like physiotherapy, thermotherapy, or cryotherapy. The majority of shoulder pain patients can be managed without surgery.

MYTH: Rest is the best treatment for shoulder pain, should avoid moving or exercising the shoulder when it hurts.

TRUTH: Based on the specific diagnosis, a period of rest for the shoulder is encouraged to help alleviate pain, prolonging restriction of movement at the shoulder will lead to joint stiffness and muscular weakness. Appropriate exercises prescribed by physiotherapists help improve shoulder pain and restore function.

MYTH: Overhead exercise is the only way to make shoulders strong.

TRUTH: Lifting the arms over the shoulder leaves the shoulder joint very stressed. Therefore, a resisted upward overhead pressure will lead to a higher risk of injuries to the rotator cuff, labrum, tendons, and joint surfaces.

MYTH: Inability to lift or move an arm post fall or injury is considered as stroke or paralysis.

TRUTH: Being able to move wrist, fingers, and elbow and no loss of sensation accounts for no neural injury and stroke can be ruled out. Better to get evaluated by a doctor if above said symptoms are absent

Sometimes we all need a shoulder to cry on, let’s keep that shoulder painless and healthy. 

Not all shoulder pain is the same as told by your neighbor, visit your orthopedic surgeon to investigate, find the exact cause, and get a personalized treatment.

About the author- Dr. Sunil Dachepalli, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic, Robotic Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad