There are a lot of different types of arthritis shoulder pain. The shoulder is a complicated joint, and it is stressed with lots of different stresses throughout the course of a person’s life. As people age, injuries that happened to the shoulder years ago can manifest in the form of arthritis. This can cause pain, a more limited range of motion, the inability to do regular everyday things like play with kids, and a more restricted lifestyle in general.

Just because the doctor calls a shoulder injury arthritis does not mean that the rest of the body is suddenly going to be subjected to arthritis also. It also does not mean that surgery is going to be required. When discussing the situation with a doctor, arthroscopic shoulder surgery as well as shoulder joint replacement are always an option, but it is certainly worth it to look for alternatives.

A cortisone shot will usually provide relief for a while, but it does not do anything to fix the underlying injury. If one hopes to avoid surgery as well as shots that provide temporary relief, other alternatives should be explored.

Once a person has been diagnosed with arthritis of the shoulder, many doctors recommend physical therapy in order to delay or eliminate the need for surgery. The orthopedic doctors, however, don’t provide the physical therapy themselves. It is up to the patient to find the resources that will give them the possibility of avoiding the costly shoulder surgery. The same thing holds true for people that want rotator cuff rehab or have other problems with their shoulders.

It is possible to do these shoulder pain exercises by oneself, without the aid of a professional physical therapist. Specific stretches and exercises that are designed to limber up and strengthen all the muscles and tendons around the shoulder should be done on a regular basis. Once this program is complete, if the pain persists, then further evaluation by an orthopedist is appropriate.

Click here for a guide to complete shoulder pain exercises that will reduce arthritis shoulder pain.

Polymialgia is a condition or syndrome that has characteristics of affecting the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle with aching and stiffness but no direct weakness. Indirect weakness may come from the painful movements. It most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50 years. Although there is no specific diagnostic test, the diagnosis usually involves some blood testing. The diagnosis will be based on the presenting history of the condition, physical exam and blood work that looks at markers of inflammation.

Polymialgia has characteristic symptoms which make it different from other types of arthritic conditions and pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. We will discuss more about the common mainstream approach to the condition with the use of corticosteroids, plus nutritional alternatives that help reduce inflammation naturally.

The most common symptoms of polymialgia are muscle stiffness and pain, these symptoms will be the basis of the chief complaint. On average the shoulder area is the first problematic place with pain also extending to the neck, upper arms, upper back, lower back and hip region. The pain is commonly on both sides of the body and can be severe with an aching quality. Movement of the affected joints makes the pain worse but the pain is not common from the joints. It is believed the pain arises from the muscles or tendons insertions. The stiffness experienced can be similar to rheumatoid arthritis. It is worse in the morning and will ease with movement and during times of inactivity or prolonged stillness, such as sitting in a car it will be exaggerated. The pain and stiffness may occur quickly or the onset can be a gradual one.

The common approach for treatment may include non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. This is probably more effective for those suffering milder symptoms of polymialgia. However, two thirds of people who originally start on NSAIDs will find they need to switch to corticosteroid treatment. Many doctors will opt for a drug called prednisone as the choice of treatment. The dosage will usually be around 5-20mg of prednisone per day.

A non medical approach could involve the use of nutritional supplements. Supplements like fish oils have been shown to help with inflammatory conditions. These are readily available from health food stores. The mineral magnesium plays important roles in reducing pain and decreasing muscle stiffness, both of which are totally applicable to polymialgia. Also the supplement curcumin, which is a derivative of tumeric has been shown to aid in decreasing the inflammatory response in the body. Vitamin E has been shown in animal studies to reverse the increase of pro inflammatory mediators. A recent study of arthritis patients found that taking a natural vitamin E for 3 months resulted in halving their pain levels. Also the popular vitamin C has long been acknowledged for it anti inflammatory properties. It can work very well in combination with vitamin E.

If you are looking to ease the symptoms of aching muscles or stiffness that come with polymialgia there are a few options available.Treatment may consist of prednisone which is a common medical drug for the condition or a natural nutritional supplement that helps ease pain and inflammation.

For more hints and tips on poly myalgia rheumatica, goto author Peter Alexis’ website which is full of polymyalgia arthritis treatment.

So what exactly is Rolfing? To many it conjures up as an extremely painful experience. Unfortunately, there is very little truth to this rumor. It can create intense sensation. Pain in massage therapy should always be a brief experience to alert the Rolfer to fascia that is stuck in an adhesive pattern. A well trained Rolfer/Structural Integrationist should be conscious and respectful of their clients needs.

Let’s take a closer look into the realm of Rolfing. I have found what little pain a patient might experience is always worth it in their words if the painful condition they came into the office with has improved considerably within a few days after the session, or immediately after the healing session. It’s a lot easier to apply the technique more gently a few times , then painfully once. In reality all we are doing is reflecting for the patients own body’s ability to heal itself through tactile expression.

The imbalance, caused by force vectors that have entered our geodesic dome like structures that we call a human body, can create changes at the fascial and emotional levels of our being according to Dr. Rolf. These muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments all react to these forces that are inherent in gravity. Rolfers have been trained in the nuances of structural integrity and are able to create balance in bodies that have become imbalanced in gravity, through skillful application of touch.

The plastic connective tissue which links all the internal structures of our human frame is called the fascial network. It is malleable and can be influenced by external responses. Fascia also surrounds internal organs and can impact them as well. Sometimes these external forces can create imbalances which result in painful conditions. Rolfing is a very specific technique, and as I have told my clients, doesn’t resemble the classic Swedish Massage technique that they have experienced prior to coming for a Rolfing session

First of all, the application techniques in Rolfing are much slower strokes then other techniques, often times without lubrication. Fascia responds to slow pressure that is applied in a deliberate manner. Rolfers used a variety of tools including fingers, fists, the elbows and the ulna bones. Many times the tools don’t even move as we ask the clients to to move their body part in an active manner, or we move it for them in a passive manner with our other hand. Rolfing very often creates and improved upright, balanced posture. We often “talk” to our clients and give them movement cues/tools and with some focused effort, the changes that happen in a Rolfing session, last a lifetime.

Rolfing is a chemical free, tactile approach to the management of pain and performance. Athletes always appreciate and our aware of the slightest change in function and balance when it comes to performing at the highest levels. Rolfing has been used successfully for over 50 years not only for preventing the outset of painful injuries, but as a performance enhancement manual therapy. I highly encourage you to include Rolfing as an addition to your wellness regime.

Learn more about Rolfer. Stop by Judah Lyons’s site where you can find out all about classes and what it can do for you.