The Minimally Invasive Answer to Chronic Pain: Radiofrequency Ablation
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, radiofrequency ablation can interrupt that pain signal before it reaches your brain.
Spring into Action: 5 Ways to Manage Shoulder Pain
Even though the weather stays pretty pleasant throughout O’ahu year-round, there’s something about spring. We might not experience the literal thaw of other parts of the world, but spring still brings a new energy.
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, the uptick in activity that comes with this time of year can feel unwelcome. When even reaching for something causes discomfort, you might want to stay at home and take it easy.
You don’t have to let your shoulder pain limit you.
At Hawai’i Pain & Spine, Dr. Jonathan Carlson applies his specialization in joint pain to help people just like you. He works with you to figure out what’s causing your shoulder pain. Then, he shapes a treatment plan to help you find relief.
It’s time to spring into action to address your shoulder pain. See Dr. Carlson and our team on the Windward side of O’ahu in Kailua, Hawai’i.
The shoulder treatment Dr. Carlson recommends might include:
1. Mobility work
Moving your shoulder might be the last thing you want to do, but it’s important. Movement helps your tissue heal and strengthens the support system for your shoulder. Staying immobile can exacerbate your shoulder pain and decrease your mobility.
Dr. Carlson can help you find an activity that fits your pain level. Gentle stretching and options like tai chi and yoga can be good options.
2. Peripheral nerve injections
Sometimes, we can address pain by targeting the nerve sending the pain signal. Many people with shoulder pain get relief by treating the suprascapular nerve.
Dr. Carlson offers this kind of peripheral nerve injection here at Hawai’i Pain & Spine.
3. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Another injection-based treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), comes from your blood. Dr. Carlson takes a tiny sample, then separates the platelets.
By injecting those platelets into your shoulder, he supplies the tissue there with growth factors. Your body uses those proteins in its healing processes. As a result, PRP gives you a way to kick-start your body’s natural regenerative abilities.
4. Corticosteroid injections
Some shoulder pain stems from inflammation. Steroids fight inflammation, so Dr. Carlson might recommend them to help relieve your shoulder pain. Specifically, corticosteroids often help minimize pain over time, usually for several months.
5. Radiofrequency ablation
Similar to a nerve injection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targets problem nerves. In this case, it uses controlled radio waves to heat the nerves, impairing or destroying them.
A recent meta-analysis of nearly 30 articles concluded that “RFA shows positive outcomes in terms of the management of chronic shoulder pain.”
In short, you have many options for managing your shoulder pain this spring. To see what Dr. Carlson recommends for your specific shoulder issue, call our office today to schedule an appointment.
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