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Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by three bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle), and upper arm bone (humerus). This joint allows the arm to move in a circular motion. We often take our shoulder’s range of motion for granted. That is until everyday tasks like lifting overhead, scratching your back, or putting on a shirt become painful. You can categorise shoulder pain into four main categories: tendon inflammation or tears, instability, arthritis, and fractures.


Symptoms
Shoulder pain typically develops as a result of trauma or spontaneously.
Pain
Localised in the front of the shoulder, sometimes radiating down the arm.
Limited Movement
Difficulty in lifting the arm or rotating the shoulder.
Causes
Various factors contribute to shoulder pain.
- Impingement: Pressure on the rotator cuff when lifting the arm, causing pain and limiting movement.
- Tendonitis or Bursitis: Inflammation of tendons or bursae in the shoulder.
- Rotator Cuff Tear: A tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff, leading to pain and weakness.
Risk Factors
Certain lifestyle habits and activities may increase the risk of shoulder pain.
- Age: More common in individuals over 30.
- Repetitive Overhead Activities: Common among athletes or people who frequently lift heavy objects.
Diagnosis
Shoulder pain is diagnosed through various methods.
- X-rays: To check for bone spurs or abnormalities.
- MRI or Ultrasound: Used to detect tears or inflammation in the soft tissues.
- Impingement Test: Injecting a local anaesthetic into the bursa to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments Provided By Us
Surgical
- Subacromial Decompression: A procedure to remove part of the acromion to create space for the rotator cuff, reducing impingement.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: If the rotator cuff is torn, surgery may be needed to reattach the tendon to the bone. This can often be done arthroscopically for quicker recovery.
- Shoulder Replacement: In severe cases of arthritis or rotator cuff damage, joint replacement surgery may be required.
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Non-Surgical
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain, such as overhead movements.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These medications help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids may be injected into the shoulder to reduce inflammation in cases of severe pain.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve mobility.
Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery
Rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery from shoulder surgery. The goals of rehabilitation are to restore strength, range of motion, and function while preventing reinjury. Components of rehabilitation may include:
Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy: A tailored programme that focuses on strengthening the shoulder, improving flexibility, and gradually increasing activity levels. Therapy typically begins with gentle movements and progresses to more active exercises over time.
Pain Management: Medication, ice, and heat therapy may be used to manage post-surgical pain.
Gradual Return to Activities: Depending on the type of surgery, the return to normal activities, including sports or work, may take several weeks or months.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial for full recovery after shoulder surgery or treatment.
- Physical Therapy: A customised rehabilitation program to regain strength and improve the shoulder’s range of motion.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Patients are guided to resume daily activities while avoiding overstraining the shoulder.
- Pain Management: Medication, ice, and heat therapy may be used to manage post-surgical pain.
Complications
If left untreated, shoulder pain can lead to further issues.
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility
- Weakness in the affected arm
Prevention Methods
To prevent shoulder pain:
- Exercise regularly to strengthen shoulder muscles.
- Maintain good posture, especially during prolonged activities.
- Avoid repetitive overhead movements.
- Warm up before engaging in physical activity to reduce the risk of injury.
When To See A Doctor
Seek medical attention if:
- The shoulder appears deformed or out of place.
- You experience intense pain or swelling.
- You cannot move your shoulder or arm away from your body.
Do make sure to visit the doctor to rule out any possible serious injuries.
Doctors In-Charge
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon