How to Treat Shoulder Pain: Relief for Aching Shoulders in Cold Weather

Is the cold weather worsening your shoulder pain, leaving you stiff, achy, or frustrated? If you’re dealing with chronic shoulder pain, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common complaints, especially during the colder months. While the drop in temperature doesn’t directly cause pain, it can increase stiffness in the joints and muscles, making existing shoulder pain harder to ignore.

The good news? You don’t have to suffer through the season. At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, we specialize in conservative treatment options to help relieve shoulder pain and improve your quality of life. No matter what’s causing your discomfort, there are effective ways to feel better.

Here are some important things to know about shoulder pain, treatment, and why seeking care is essential:

Why Does Cold Weather Make Shoulder Pain Worse?

Have you ever noticed your shoulder pain flares up when it’s cold outside? That’s not your imagination. Here’s why colder weather can make your shoulders feel worse:

• Muscle stiffness: Cold temperatures cause your muscles to tighten, reducing flexibility and making movements more painful.
• Joint changes: For people with arthritis or other joint conditions, the cold can lead to increased swelling and stiffness in the shoulder.
• Reduced circulation: Cold weather may slow blood flow to your muscles and joints, increasing discomfort and stiffness.

Combined with an existing injury or condition, these factors make it even harder to stay active and keep your shoulders mobile. But staying active—and getting the proper treatment—can make a big difference.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Many things can cause shoulder pain, and understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward finding relief. Some of the most common causes include:

• Rotator cuff injuries: Four main muscles and tendons support your shoulder. Tears or inflammation in this area can cause significant pain and limit movement.
• “Frozen shoulder”: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition leads to a reduced range of motion that can be felt as stiffness and often worsens in cold weather.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pain and inflammation, especially during temperature changes.
• Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. When inflamed, they can cause sharp pain and tenderness in the shoulder.

When Should I Seek Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Not all shoulder pain requires medical attention. Minor soreness from overuse or a light strain often goes away with rest and home care. But if your shoulder pain is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, it’s time to see a professional.

Here are signs you should seek treatment:

• Pain that lasts longer than a few weeks
• Stiffness that limits your range of motion
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the shoulder
• Weakness or difficulty lifting objects
• Pain that keeps you awake at night
• Discomfort during cold weather that doesn’t improve with self-care

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, our Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport team is here to help.

Conservative Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, we focus on conservative, non-surgical treatments that relieve pain, improve mobility, and get you back to feeling your best.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy may be a great option for your shoulder pain. We refer you to physical therapists who create a personalized program designed to:

• Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce stiffness and pain
• Prevent future injuries

Through guided exercises, stretches, and techniques, you can regain mobility and reduce discomfort.

Medication

Sometimes, medication is necessary to manage pain and inflammation while your body heals. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Some medications, such as ibuprofen or topical creams or patches, can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Prescription anti-inflammatories: Prescription medications may provide additional relief for more severe cases.

We carefully tailor medication use to your condition, ensuring it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Percutaneous tenotomy

For patients dealing with chronic tendon pain, percutaneous tenotomy offers a minimally invasive solution. This innovative procedure uses ultrasound guidance to pinpoint and treat damaged tendons. A small instrument is inserted to remove the damaged tissue, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.

Benefits of percutaneous tenotomy include:

• Quick recovery time
• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
• Relief from chronic pain caused by tendonitis or other tendon injuries
• Avoidance of additional surgery

Percutaneous tenotomy is an excellent option for treating rotator cuff injuries or severe tendon inflammation in the shoulder. It’s often combined with physical therapy to enhance results and restore full function.

Regenerative injections

For patients looking to promote natural healing, regenerative medicine offers advanced options. These injections use your body’s own resources to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. We offer:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP involves injecting a concentration of your platelets into the injured area to stimulate healing and tissue repair.
• Stem cell injections: Stem cells are an advanced regenerative treatment option that promotes natural healing and tissue repair. These injections use specialized cells from your body to target damaged tissues in the shoulder. Stem cells can turn into different types of cells, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle, which helps restore the structure and function of injured areas.
• Prolotherapy: This treatment uses a solution to trigger the body’s natural healing response, strengthening weak or damaged areas over time.

These injections can be used alongside other conservative therapies to enhance your recovery.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections are a common option for managing shoulder pain caused by inflammation. These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of your pain and may provide quick and/or lasting relief. They’re especially helpful for conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis.

Tips to Manage Shoulder Pain During Cold Weather

There are steps you can take to manage shoulder pain and stay comfortable during the colder months:

• Stay active: Movement and stretching can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. Focus on low-impact exercises to keep your shoulder flexible.
• Dress warmly: Layer up to keep your shoulders warm and maintain good circulation.
• Apply heat: Use a heated pack or warm towel on your shoulder to relax muscles and reduce stiffness.
• Practice good posture: Avoid slouching, which can strain your shoulder muscles. Keep your shoulders back and your spine straight.
• Rest, but don’t overdo it: Give your shoulder time to recover, but don’t let it become too inactive. Strike a balance between rest and movement.

Why Early Treatment for Shoulder Pain Matters

The longer you wait to address shoulder pain, the harder it can be to treat. Early care not only reduces pain but also prevents the condition from worsening. Conservative treatments are most effective when started early, so don’t put off getting help.

At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, our goal is to help you feel better quickly and avoid the need for surgery. With proper care, you may be able to manage your shoulder pain and regain the freedom to move comfortably—no matter the season.

Find Shoulder Pain Relief in Southeast Idaho

If shoulder pain makes it hard to enjoy your life, don’t wait to seek help. At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, we specialize in gentle, effective treatments that address the root cause of your pain. Our team is here to support you every step of the way with personalized care that works for your unique needs.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment at one of our three locations in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Driggs. Let’s work together to relieve your pain, improve your mobility, and help you feel your best.