DEAR DR. GOTT: I have osteoarthritis, bursitis and tendinitis in both shoulders and upper arms. I hurt both shoulders while lifting weights. What is the best treatment to reduce the inflammation? Is it ice or ultrasound? Would it help to immobilize my shoulder joints with arm slings? Lifting my arms away from my body and above my head causes the most pain.
Would it hurt to try and do light exercise? Is it better to wait until the inflammation and pain go away? With proper treatment, how long do you think it will take to heal?
Would an MRI test on both shoulders help to determine how much inflammation is present and whether there are any muscle tears in the shoulder joints? I would appreciate any insight and information you can provide.
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