| How to Look After a Venomous Snake Posted: 25 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT Many snake enthusiasts are fascinated by venomous (or "hot") snakes. Some people are intrigued enough that they decide they want to keep one of these snakes themselves. Caring for a venomous snake is highly dangerous and should only be attempted by people with the proper knowledge, skills, and equipment. Strict safety precautions must always be taken. While snakes are fascinating animals, venomous ones can kill you with a single bite. EditMaking Your Home Ready for a Venomous Snake - Research local laws. Before giving serious consideration to bringing home a venomous snake, go online and see what state and local laws are in effect in your area. Follow all laws regarding the possession of these animals.[1]
- In some states, only certain species of venomous snakes may be kept.
- In some states, venomous snakes may not be kept by private citizens.
- Some states allow keeping venomous snakes, but place restrictions on how they can be obtained.
- If you have trouble finding or understanding the laws in your area, contact your local Department of Natural Resources or Department of Fish and Game, or an attorney.
- Discuss it with your housemates or family. Before deciding to bring home a venomous animal, discuss this with anyone else you live with. Be certain they are in full understanding of the risks and dangers, and agree to having a hot snake live in the home.[2]
- It's also a good idea to alert friends who come to the home regularly, and nearby neighbors who could be at risk if the snake should escape.
- Research different varieties of snakes. Next, spend some time learning about different varieties of snakes that are permitted in your area to decide which species you might be interested in bringing home.[3]
- Be aware that different species of snakes have different requirements in terms of care and feeding, space, temperature, light, and so forth.[4] Pick a species of snake that you are going to be able to care for adequately.
- Different types of snakes also have different dispositions, with some being more aggressive, others more reclusive, and so on. Spend some time online or visit your local library or bookstore and pick up a book on snakes to learn more.
- Purchase insurance. It is irresponsible to own a venomous snake without having the proper insurance. Accidents are common and can cost a lot of money. If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to keep one of these snakes.[5]
- You and everyone in your home should have adequate health insurance. Medical treatment for a snake bite can cost thousands of dollars.
- You should also have liability insurance. If your snake bites someone else, you will be legally responsible for any costs that result, including medical bills and the possibility of lawsuits resulting from injury or death.
- Collect emergency contact information. Before bringing a snake home, collect emergency contact information for hospitals in the area that keep anti-venom on hand that would counteract the venom of your snake. Keep the information in multiple places.[6]
- Keep this list by your snake's cage, in your phone, and in other prominent places around the home. Be sure your family or housemates know where this information is.
- Prepare the snake's tank. Before purchasing a snake, prepare an adequate and secure home for it. The size requirements will vary depending on the variety. The cage or tank must be sturdy and secure.[7]
- Purchase a snake tank (like reinforced fish tank) or make a cage from plywood, at least a half inch thick.
- Do not use any cage with mesh sides.
- Any opening large enough for a snake to stick its snout in up to its eyes is a big enough opening for it to escape.
- The tank must have a secured lid. Ideally, it should lock.[8]
- Bring your snake home. Find a reputable vendor to buy a snake from and purchase your snake. Then bring it home and release it into the cage.
- To find a reputable vendor, read some online reviews, or better yet, talk to others within the snake community to get a recommendation.[9]
- Ask the vendor questions such as who he or she uses as a vet, how long the business has existed, and where the snakes come from. A reputable vendor should have clear, straightforward answers to all these questions. It is also a good idea to ask for references.[10]
- If you live somewhere where venomous snakes live in the wild, you may be tempted to try to catch one yourself. Before undertaking such a task, be aware that this is very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing, and is also illegal in some states.[11]
EditCaring for Your Snake - Keep the snake's area secured. Any time you do not need to access your snake, keep its cage or tank closed and locked. The room that you keep the cage in should also be sealed.[12]
- Be certain there are no places where the snake could get into the walls or building structure. Be sure there are no openings large enough for the snake to escape the room, should it get out of it's cage.
- Keep the room free of clutter to make the snake easier to find, should it get out of its tank.
- Make sure there is a light right by the door of the room so you never have to cross the room in darkness. Keep your handling tools by the door as well.
- Keep all other pets out of the area at all times.[13]
- Maintain proper heat and humidity. Different snakes have different requirements regarding heat and humidity. Depending on the breed of your snake, you may need to purchase heat lamps, space heaters, or humidifiers to make sure your snake is healthy and comfortable.
- Gaboon vipers, for example, must be kept at temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the high 80s, Fahrenheit. Their enclosures should be sprayed regularly to create proper humidity.[14]
- Some snakes, like the Banded Rock Rattlesnake, require an annual hibernation period, during which the temperature in the room must be lowered into the 50s and lighting must be reduced.[15]
- Make sure you are equipped to care for the needs of your snake by creating a healthy environment.
- Keep the tank clean. Like any animal that lives in a cage, a venomous snake will need its home cleaned periodically. This is most easily achieved by moving it temporarily to a separate tank or cage so you can clean without disturbing or provoking it.[16]
- Depending on the type of snake, a thorough cleaning is usually needed at least three or four times a year, but keep an eye on cage conditions and make this determination for yourself.
- Feed according the needs of the species. All venomous snakes are carnivores. Most should be fed live food, such as mice, rats, insects, or amphibians, depending on the variety of snake.[17] Research the specific species you have purchased to determine how much to feed it and how often.
- Never feed a snake by hand. Lower the food in using tongs.[18]
- Some snakes are fed as seldom as every two weeks.[19]
- Make sure your snake has access to water at all times. The water should be changed regularly (i.e. every two or three days).[20]
- Watch for signs of disease. Different varieties of snakes are susceptible to different diseases. When you research your snake, make sure to pay attention to which diseases are common and how you can detect them.
- Reduced appetite and slower than normal movements are often a sign your snake is ill.[21]
EditHandling Your Snake - Stay sharp. Whenever you are going to remove the snake from its home, change its water, or otherwise come into contact with the snake, stay alert. Snakes can strike rapidly and in any direction.
- Never handle your snake when intoxicated, exhausted, or otherwise impaired.[22]
- Dress protectively. When handling a snake always wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and thick leather gloves. NEVER handle a venomous snake with your bare hands.[23]
- Use the right tools. Some experienced handlers will pick up a snake with their hands when they need to move it. This is not recommended, however.[24] A better choice is to use a metal snake hook or tongs.[25]
- Snake hooks and tongs can be purchased online.
- Snake hooks are made of stainless steel and allow you to pick up and move a snake without getting it close enough to your body that it can strike you.
- Never pick up a snake by the neck using tongs. You can accidentally strangle your snake.[26]
- It's a good idea to practice using hooks and tongs with a toy snake first, and then ideally with a non-venomous snake before attempting to move a poisonous animal with these tools.
- Move slowly. When you handle a venomous snake, avoid big and sudden motions. Move slowly and keep your movements as minimal as possible. This will reduce the risk of startling the snake and thus of it striking out at you.[27]
- It's also a good idea to hang out in the room with the snake for 15 minutes or more before moving it, so the snake can get comfortable with your presence.
- Get the snake into a container as soon as you can.
- Handle the snake no more than necessary. The more you handle your snake, the more opportunities it has to bite you or escape. Only handle it when necessary.
- Furthermore, some snakes are prone to stress related diseases, which can be brought on by excessive handling.[28]
- Never take your snake out of its tank or cage when inexperienced persons are around.[29]
EditResponding to Snake Bites - Move away from the snake. If you are bitten by your snake, move away from it immediately. It may strike you again.[30]
- Further bites mean more venom in your bloodstream and an increased risk of death.
- Call for help. Immediately call 911 or one of the hospitals you have already identified as having anti-venom.[31] Time is of the essence. You need medical assistance immediately.
- Remove tight clothing or jewelry around the bite. The bitten area is likely to swell. Tight clothing or jewelry around the area can be difficult to remove once this happens.[32]
- Loosely apply a clean bandage over the wound.[33] This prevents infection and reduces blood loss.
- You can gently clean the wound with a damp towel, but do not flush it with water.[34]
- Do not attempt to suck the venom out of the wound or otherwise remove the venom. You can end up making matters worse. Do not use a tourniquet.[35]
- Keep the wound below the heart. Keeping the wound below the level of your heart will slow the spread of the venom. Keep the wound low, ideally while lying down.
- If the snake has bitten your arm, for example, lie on a bed or couch with the bitten arm dangling over the side.[36]
- Stay calm and still. Although it may be hard not to panic, you need to stay calm and still while you wait for help. Anxiety and activity will increase your heart rate, speeding the movement of the venom through your body.[37]
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine while awaiting help. Alcohol thins the blood, and caffeine raises your heart rate. Both can cause the situation to worsen more rapidly.[38]
- Consider spending time with an experienced snake owner, and/or with non-venomous snakes before purchasing a venomous one.
- Keep the cage secured at all times that you aren't accessing it, preferably with a lock.
- Consider keeping anti-venom on hand for any venomous species of snake that you care for.
- Most snake owners are bitten at some point.[39] Even expert handlers are sometimes bitten and occasionally die from snake bites. Be prepared for this eventuality.
- If your snake escapes, you may need to cut open walls or floors as you search for it, doing significant damage to your home and placing you and anyone else in the home at risk. Avoid this possibility at all costs.
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| How to Be Outspoken Posted: 25 Oct 2016 09:00 AM PDT Would you like to feel more confident in expressing your thoughts and feelings? Do you wish that others would take notice of your views? Do you struggle to boldly own your perspective in a conversation? Being outspoken is a quality that, when used with skill and wisdom, can set you apart from the crowd. Being outspoken is to speak your mind, to be honest and forthright, candid yet tactful.[1] Being outspoken doesn't necessarily mean that you are an open book and that you spill all of the details of your life. It is not to lack boundaries or class. It is not expressing a truckload of negativity and criticism whenever the chance arises. The quality of being outspoken is a positive and desirable skill. EditFinding Your Voice - Gain self-knowledge through journaling. Knowing who you are, what you believe, what you think, feel and want are the beginnings of knowing yourself, and journaling is a great way to establish that knowledge. Practice journaling for 15 minutes or more each night before bed. Not only can you know yourself better, journaling is an excellent tool to improve self-confidence. Self-confidence is the foundation of being outspoken. Try these journal topics to start your journey to greater self knowledge:[2]
- What would be your ideal birthday present and why?
- What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?
- Who do you most admire and why?
- How would you like to be remembered?
- Be confident. In order to be outspoken, you have to believe that your voice has worth.[3] You have to believe that your input will make any conversation better. And it probably will! It's different opinions that make conversations or debates interesting.
- If you struggle with confidence, an easy way to start is on a specific topic that you are very familiar with. The more thoroughly you know a topic, the more comfortable you'll be talking about it.
- For example, if you are an avid martial artist, talk about martial arts. If you love maintaining a perfect garden, talk about gardening. Become comfortable talking about things close to your heart first.
- Getting practice in your area of expertise will help you branch out to more abstract topics, like government, ethics, or religion.
- Overcome shyness. Just because you're confident doesn't mean you like hearing your own voice. The next step is overcoming your shyness.[4] Overcoming a natural tendency towards shyness can seem daunting, but doing the opposite of your natural instinct can open up a whole new set of choices: bolder choices.
- The popular sitcom Seinfeld aired an episode called "The Opposite." In this episode, George decides that every decision that he has ever made has been wrong. He concludes that if he did the opposite of his natural instincts, he would get better results. George then decides to do the complete opposite of what he would normally do in every situation. By the end of the show, he goes from being unemployed and living his parents, to getting a job with the New York Yankees organization and being able to get a place of his own.
- Find your strengths. Our strengths usually follow our interests; interests reveal passions. It is easy to be outspoken when talking about your interests and passions. Once you identify your strengths,[5] feel confident in expressing your views or even taking the lead in a project or activity where these strengths are used. Ask yourself these questions to discover your strengths:
- What am I interested in?
- What are my hobbies?
- What are my best subjects in school?
- In what areas do I excel at my job?
- Develop your opinions. You don't want to sound like you don't know what you're talking about -- or soon enough no one will listen to you.[6] Plus, it will make becoming outspoken very hard if you don't have anything to say! Think about how you feel about the hot button topics in your social circle. Only you have the answer, after all -- and you can't be wrong!
- If you don't really have an opinion about something, do a little research about it and decide what you think.
- Know that lacking an opinion on a matter can be a stance too; you just don't view it as important and worth arguing.
- For example, you may find yourself unengaged with celebrity gossip because you simply don't care. It's okay to say "I have other priorities right now," or "I do not have an opinion about that."
- Back up your opinion with facts. Some people feel uncomfortable having or expressing an opinion because they don't know much about a topic. You can combat this feeling and have more confidence about your opinion if you learn facts that can support your opinion.
- For example, if your friends and family talk about healthcare reform all the time, read a few articles about it and decide what you think. If you can back up your opinion with facts, you will feel even more comfortable expressing yourself.
- Choose your battles. You don't want to be the person who's shoving your opinion in everyone's faces at all times, who seems to be outspoken only for the sake of being outspoken, or the one who takes pride in getting the last word in. Instead, know what you feel passionately about and stick to those things.
- Wait to speak out until you care about an issue. If you give out opinions or contradictions constantly, you may seem belligerent and annoying. The idea is to make people notice and care about what you think, not to hit them over the head with it.
- Know that being reserved has its place. Western society generally pushes us to be extroverts. The workplace values the person who speaks up, gets conversations going, and forms meaningful work relationships. However, there is nothing wrong with being reserved. Sometimes taking a step back can be the most diplomatic and effective option for communicating.[7]
- As with most things, it's healthiest lying somewhere in the middle. Being outspoken 24/7 shouldn't be your goal -- you should aim to be outspoken when you feel and only when you feel your stance is being underrepresented or needs defending. If it doesn't, reserve away.
- Open your mind. This is just general good-arguing etiquette. In order to state your opinion and come across as rational and someone who should be listened to, you can't come across as bigoted, closed-minded, or arrogant. Allowing the other parties to make their points fully can help you seem more reasonable and level-headed.
- This is important before, during, and after you speak your mind. It's just as impressive saying, "You know -- you're right. I didn't think of that," as it is to bombard someone with a milieu of facts that are inarguable. Many people can go off on an unstoppable rant-- fewer can stop and admit they might be wrong.
EditInteracting with Others - Practice with a trusted friend. It's easy to misunderstand being outspoken for being rude and opinionated.[8] To learn the fine art of being outspoken, pick a friend who knows you and cares about you. Practice speaking your mind honestly and with boldness. A trusted friend can help you practice being outspoken until it feels more natural by giving you feedback.
- Being outspoken might sound like this, "I love astronomy and I think we can learn a lot from studying the night sky".
- Being rude or opinionated would sound like this, "Anyone who cannot appreciate the night sky is an idiot".
- Try to let go of your fears. It can be easy to be intimidated if you are worried about what other people will think or say about you.[9] However, you have to let that go. By expressing yourself well when you have researched and formed a clear opinion about something, you can feel more confident about what you're saying and worry less about the judgment of others.
- Be tactful. You can be outspoken, still have tact, and be sensitive to others' feelings.[10] Knowing when to be outspoken, as well as knowing what you wish to say, can often be a matter of tact.
- If you are an avid atheist, a church memorial service for a recently-deceased family member is probably not the best place to express your opinion that people who die simply die and don't go anywhere. Keeping your opinion to yourself in that context is far more tactful.
- Be well-spoken. It is a shame to allow a good argument to be undermined by improper expression. Many people will focus so much on how things are said that they miss what is being said; you can avoid that problem by doing your best to be well-spoken.[11] Think about how other well-spoken people, such as news anchors, tend to speak and arrange their thoughts, and try to emulate them.
- Sometimes part of being well-spoken is not just speaking in large words. It can be just as effective to be short and to-the-point as long as you are presenting thorough information.
- For example, saying, "The tuna industry is an abomination. Anyone who eats tuna is being injurious to the ecosystem," is insufficient. Instead, back up what you're saying: "The tuna industry is completely unsustainable. It'll be off the shelves in 10 years if we don't stop. Humans are completely messing up the circle of life."
- Know when to let it go. Along with picking your battles, you should be able to assess when to let the battle end. When you've said your piece, let your words and ideas speak for themselves. No need to beat a dead horse!
- Take cues from your peers, too. If someone is starting to get offended, exasperated, or is displaying any other negative emotion, back off. You can revisit the point later if need be.
- Practice and repeat. Any personality trait is learned. Once you start being outspoken on a regular basis, the reaction will become automatic. Hearing yourself talk won't faze you. Seeing others react to your opinion won't be scary. It's just a natural part of human socialization.
- Aim to state your opinion once a day, to start. Slowly work your way up to every time you find yourself thinking something pertinent and not saying it. If you go too far, it'll be easier to draw yourself back. And if anyone asks why the change of heart, be honest! You're working on being outspoken. That's all.
EditBeing Effective - Be outspoken at home and at the workplace. It's easy to tell your family how you really feel about the world around you. It's a lot harder to walk into a meeting, raise your hand, and put yourself on the line. But the hard stuff is what really matters most. And it could mean that promotion you've been wanting!
- The more you do something, the more it becomes comfortable -- regardless of what it is. So tomorrow, start. When a thought occurs to you that you could say, say it. That's all you need to do. Do it once a day until being a vocal part of the team feels less scary. You can beef it up from there.
- Don't aim to convince. Intellectual, open-minded debates can be invigorating and tons of fun. However, talking to someone who's shoving their opinions down your throat, unrelenting until you admit your unenthusiastic conversion is not.[12] Don't be the person who won't stop until everyone in the room agrees with you. That's not the goal here.
- Know your opinion isn't the only one. Some people have a hard time keeping their opinions to themselves and not aiming to convince the other party. This is often because they firmly and steadfastly believe that they are 100% right.[13] The other person is just being ridiculous -- why can't they see it? Because the other person believes the exact same thing.
- The odds are that if you're on this page, you're not the "I'm right and you're wrong" kind of person. However, you're probably going to have to deal with this type of person once you're the one going against their opinion. Let them know that their one-sided view isn't conducive to a fun, intellectual debate. There's no point in arguing with someone like this, so don't do it!
- Don't put others down. Once you start voicing your opinion, you're going to run into other people that feel compelled to voice theirs, too. You're also going to run into people that state their opinion and it'll leave you thinking, "Did he really just say that...? I must have misheard." When this happens, don't tarnish your rationale by adding in comments like, "You're acting crazy," or "That's so dumb." That doesn't put you in a better position, nor them in a worse one. It just makes you look kind of mean.[14]
- Try your hardest to make your outspokenness non-judgmental when it comes to people. If you don't feel like going to a certain movie with your friends, outright say so -- but if, say, someone is talking about their struggle with weight loss, be a bit more diplomatic about the topic.
- Listen to other people. Follow Nelson Mandela's model; he once said, "I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my own opinion. Oftentimes, my own opinion will simply represent a consensus of what I heard in the discussion."[15]
- Listening first is so important -- maybe your point has already been addressed -- or maybe someone had a better one! The only way you can really make sure your outspokenness is fulfilling its purpose is if you listen before you open your mouth. It'll save you a lot of grief later, too!
- Don't say anything racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive.
- Make sure you are always noble in your causes.
- Don't be afraid. Your opinions are worth something.
- If you need to tell a specific person you thought something they did was wrong, tell them in private.
- Use as few words as possible. Concise messages are more dramatic and effective.
- You may make more enemies this way, but usually they are few if you are a good and honest person. You will also gain much more respect.
- Some of your friends may only like very shy, careful people. A good friend should understand that you haven't changed, but you may have some shifts in who you hang out with.
- Avoid profanity while making an argument. It can cause the other person to dismiss the good points you're making and can undermine your effective points.
- Be careful when arguing with people of authority, such as bosses, teachers, etc.
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| How to Stop Shoulder Pains Posted: 25 Oct 2016 01:00 AM PDT Shoulder pain is relatively common and has a variety of causes, ranging from a simple muscle pull to a dislocated joint. The reason why the shoulder is so susceptible to injury is that it has the most range of motion of any joint in the body.[1] Furthermore, shoulder pain sometimes originates from other areas of the body such as the neck, mid back or even the heart. In most cases, using common sense and following some simple home remedies will be enough to stop your shoulder pain, but in some cases, treatment from a health professional is necessary. EditUsing Home Treatments - Rest your shoulder. Often, but not always, the root cause of shoulder pain is simple overexertion — lifting things that are too heavy or lifting lighter loads too often. Stop the aggravating activity for at least a few days. If your problem is work related, then if possible, talk to your boss about switching to a different activity. If the shoulder pain is exercise related, then you may be working out too aggressively or with bad form — consult with a personal trainer.
- Excessive bed rest is not a good idea for any type of musculoskeletal injury because some movement is needed to stimulate blood flow and healing. As such, some rest is good, but complete inactivity is counterproductive.
- Reconsider your sleeping environment. Mattresses that are too soft or pillows that are too thick may contribute to shoulder pain. Sleeping on your back for a few days or weeks may be needed so as to not aggravate your shoulder.
- Shoulder joint pain (as opposed to muscle pain) frequently worsens at night while in bed.[2]
- Ice your shoulder. The application of ice is an effective treatment for essentially all acute injuries — including shoulder strains and sprains — because it constricts blood vessels (reducing blood flow) and numbs nerve fibers.[3] Cold therapy should be applied to the most tender part of your shoulder in order to reduce the swelling and pain. Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every hour, then reduce the frequency as the pain and swelling subside in your shoulder.
- Compressing the ice against your shoulder with a bandage or elastic support will also help control the inflammation.
- Always wrap ice or frozen gel packs in a thin towel in order to prevent frostbite on your skin.
- Take over-the-counter drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can be short-term solutions to help you deal with pain or inflammation in your shoulder — they can be found in every pharmacy and grocery store. Keep in mind that these medications can be hard on your stomach, kidneys and liver, so it's best not to use them for more than 2 weeks at a stretch and to take them with food.[4]
- Talk to your doctor about your medical problems you have and any medications that you take before taking these medications.
- Follow the instructions on the package or your doctor's instructions on dosing.
- Alternatively, you can try over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and Paracetamol) or muscle relaxants (such as cyclobenzaprine) for your shoulder pain, but never take them concurrently with NSAIDs.
- Do some light shoulder stretches. If your shoulder pain is primarily achy in nature and doesn't involve sharp, stabbing or shooting pain with movement or a dislocation, then likely you're experiencing a muscle strain. Mild muscle strains respond well to some light stretching because it relieves muscle tension, promotes blood flow and improves flexibility.[5] In general, hold stretches (without bouncing) for about 30 seconds and do them 3x daily until the discomfort fades away.
- Trying to protect your sore shoulder by not moving it or putting it in a sling may increase the risk of adhesive capsulitis or "frozen shoulder," which is characterized by scar tissue, chronic stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- While standing or sitting, reach around the front of your body and grab the opposite elbow. Gently pull on the back of the elbow until you feel a stretch in the corresponding shoulder.
- While standing or sitting, reach behind your back towards your shoulder blade and interlock with your other hand (diagram above). Slowly pull on the hand with the sore shoulder until you feel a good stretch.
- Build shoulder strength. If your shoulder pain is caused by overexertion (especially while on the job), you may benefit from strength-building exercises, assuming you perform them safely and correctly.[6] When your initial pain subsides, try to introduce low-intensity, low-impact shoulder strengthening exercises to your routine. Stronger muscles such as the deltoids and rotator cuff are more able to handle the strain and exertion that can lead to shoulder pain, decreasing the likelihood that it will return.
- Work with a personal trainer or physical therapist to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly.
- Make sure your shoulder muscles are warmed up before exercising them. Taking a warm shower or applying moist heat or doing simple calisthenics before weight training is recommended because your shoulder muscles will be more pliable.
- Distinguish between acute and chronic conditions. Although rest, ice and over-the-counter drugs are certainly helpful for acute (sudden) shoulder injuries, chronic (long-term) shoulder pain caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions requires a little different approach.[7] For example, for non-inflammatory osteoarthritis of the shoulder (the wear and tear type), applying some moist heat first thing in the morning may provide pain relief, reduce stiffness and increase your mobility.
- As a source of moist heat, microwaved herbal bags work well and are often infused with aromatherapy (such as lavender) that has relaxing properties.
- Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and various fish oils may help lubricate and cushion arthritic joints.
EditSeeking Alternative Treatments - Get a shoulder massage. A strained muscle occurs when individual muscle fibers are taken beyond their limits and tear, which leads to pain, inflammation and some degree of guarding (muscle spasm in attempts to prevent further damage). A deep tissue massage is helpful for mild-to-moderate strains because it reduces muscle spasm, combats inflammation and promotes relaxation.[8] Start with a 30 minute massage, focusing on your shoulder, lower neck and mid back areas. Allow the therapist to go as deep as you can tolerate without wincing.
- Always drink lots of water immediately following a massage in order to flush out inflammatory by-products and lactic acid from your body. Failure to do so might cause a headache or mild nausea.
- Your therapist may do trigger point therapy that focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your shoulder after injuries or overuse.
- Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient art and involves sticking very thin needles into specific energy points within the skin / muscle in efforts to reduce pain and inflammation.[9] Acupuncture for shoulder pain (caused by an injury or arthritis) can be effective, especially if it's done when the symptoms first occur. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by releasing a variety of substances including endorphins and serotonin, which act to reduce pain.
- Acupuncture is practiced by a variety of health professionals including some physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists — whoever you choose should be certified by NCCAOM.
- Acupuncture points that may provide relief to your shoulder pain are not all located near where you feel the pain — some can be in distant areas of the body.
- See a chiropractor. Chiropractors are joint specialists who focus on establishing normal motion and function of the spine and peripheral joints such as the shoulder.[10] Shoulder pain is not only caused by the underlying glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, but also from joint issues in the neck and mid back. Your chiropractor is trained to diagnose joint problems and treat them (if appropriate) with manual joint manipulation, also called adjustments — they often illicit a "popping" or "cracking" sound.
- Although one joint adjustment can sometimes completely relieve your shoulder pain, more than likely it will take 3-5 treatments to notice significant results.
- Manual joint manipulation is not a good idea for inflammatory arthritis.
- Other professions that use manual joint manipulation include osteopaths and some physicians and physiotherapists.
EditSeeking Medical Treatments - See your doctor. If your shoulder pain is especially severe, long-lasting (more than a few weeks) or debilitating, and home remedies are not particularly helpful, then make an appointment with your doctor. Your shoulder pain may be caused by something serious such as a torn tendon, damaged cartilage, dislocated joint, fracture or inflammatory arthritis.[11] Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such as an orthopedist, neurologist or rheumatologist in order to better diagnose and treat your shoulder issue.
- X-rays, bone scans, MRI, CT scan and nerve conduction studies are tools that specialists may use to help diagnose your shoulder pain.
- Depending on your diagnosis, you may be given stronger prescription medications (especially if your pain is caused by arthritis) and/or asked to wear a shoulder sling short-term, which is common with severe joint sprains and dislocations. Your doctor will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis with you.
- See a physical therapist. If your shoulder problem is recurring (chronic) and not alleviated by your own exercise routine, then you need to consider some form of rehabilitation guided by a professional. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist, who can show you specific and tailored stretches and strengthening exercises to rehabilitate your shoulder.[12] Physiotherapy is usually required 2-3x per week for 4-8 weeks to positively impact chronic shoulder problems.
- If need be, a physical therapist can treat your sore shoulder muscles with modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound or electronic muscle stimulation.
- Good strengthening exercises for your shoulder include pushups, pullups, swimming and rowing, but make sure your injury is resolved first.
- Get a cortisone injection. Cortisone is a hormone that is sometimes administered medically to treat injuries and various forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. An injection of steroid medication near or into a muscle, tendon or ligament can quickly reduce inflammation and allow normal, unrestricted movement of your shoulder again.[13] Cortisone, compared to NSAIDs, has a longer duration of action and a stronger effect. The most common preparations used are prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone.
- Potential complications of corticosteroid injections include infection, bleeding, tendon weakening, local muscle atrophy, nerve irritation / damage and decreased immune function.
- If corticosteroid injections fail to provide adequate resolution for your shoulder problem, then surgery should be considered and discussed with your doctor.
- Consider surgery as a last resort. Surgery for chronic shoulder pain is often the last resort (after more conservative approaches have been tried), although it may be warranted immediately if your shoulder is dislocated or fractured due to serious trauma suffered from a car accident or sports injury, for examples.[14]
- Osteoarthritis of the shoulder may lead to the formation of bone spurs or disintegrating cartilage, which can be remedied with arthroscopic surgery.
- Rotator cuff tears — a group of four muscles surrounding the ball and socket shoulder joint — is a common cause of pain and disability that often needs surgery to remedy.[15]
- Shoulder surgery may involve the use of metal rods, pins or other devices for structural support.
- Possible complications from shoulder surgery include local infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage and chronic swelling/pain.
- Be prepared for needing some time after the surgery to recover. You will most likely need to do stretching, exercises, or physical therapy during the recovery period.
- Soaking your body in a warm Epsom salt bath can significantly reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder, especially if the pain is caused by muscle strain or osteoarthritis.[16] The magnesium in the salt helps the muscles relax.
- An alternative to ice or frozen gel packs is a frozen bag of veggies, such as peas or corn.
- Avoid carrying bags that distribute weight unevenly across your shoulders like single-strap messenger bags or purses. Instead, use a bag with wheels or a two-shoulder backpack with padded straps.
- Exercise regularly.
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