Shoulder pain

Shoulder injuries, while varied due to the complex muscular system of the shoulder, can make simple tasks such as washing and drying hair, reaching for something behind you, or lifting a box very painful. It can be frustrating to ask for help to reach for an item at the grocery store, folding laundry, or moving virtually anything.

While having a temporary disability can be an unexpected stressor, it can also be an opportunity to give ourselves the care we need. Maybe we need to learn to allow ourselves more time to pick up light objects one at a time. Maybe we need to learn to ask for help even though it makes us feel vulnerable. Perhaps an important lesson is simply to be gentle and compassionate. It’s important to start by looking for what we can learn from the situation. In Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl links our health and sense of well-being to our sense of purpose in life. While an auto collision isn’t something anyone ever expects or wants, and there’s no minimizing the amount of upset and very real pain and inconvenience it causes, it can also be an opportunity to face bigger issues.

Generally, light movement is recommended for shoulder pain. Start with gentle shoulder rolls to warm up, moving into making small, easy circular motions with your arms. When you walk, be sure to allow your shoulders to swing to prevent your muscles from locking up completely.

Depending on what stage of recovery you are in, I may use light lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, cupping, or a number of other modalities to enhance your recovery. No matter what injury you have, compassion is always the best way through.