The shoulder joint is a unique mechanism that allows us to move our arm in almost any direction. But we pay for such mobility with vulnerability. Pain in the shoulder often occurs suddenly: it becomes difficult to put your hand behind your back, get dressed or simply lift a cup of coffee. Many patients write it off for years as “osteochondrosis”, wasting time while the muscles and tendons of the joint are gradually destroyed.
“Red flags”: when the shoulder needs an urgent examination
- Night pain: the joint keeps you awake, especially when you lie on the affected side.
- Limitation of movement: You cannot raise your arm above shoulder level or move it to the side.
- Feeling of "popping out": the joint seems unstable or does not hold in place (a sign of damage to the lip of the joint or the result of a dislocation
- Muscle weakness: the hand seems "heavy", you cannot hold even light objects in it.
The main causes of pain: from inflammation to tears
In adult patients, we most often diagnose three conditions:
- Impingement syndrome: compression of the tendons under the acromial process. This causes constant inflammation and pain when raising the arm.
- Damage to the rotator cuff: micro tears or complete tears of the tendons responsible for shoulder movement. This often happens after a fall on the hand or due to age-related wear and tear of tissues.
- Common dislocation and instability: if you dislocate your shoulder even once, the ligaments can be permanently stretched. The joint becomes “wobbly”, which leads to permanent microtraumas.
Importantly: We recently published [detailed case of shoulder dislocation treatment], where, using the example of a real patient, they analyzed how modern arthroscopy allows restoring joint stability even after complex injuries. This clearly demonstrates why it is important to act professionally and not just exercise a sprain.
Diagnosis: How we find the source of pain
The shoulder requires jewelry accuracy in diagnosis. Our protocol includes:
- Special functional tests: examination of symptoms of Neer, Hawkins and strength tests of individual cuff muscles.
- MRI of the shoulder joint: key method. Only MRI allows you to see the state of the lip of the joint (labrum), the integrity of the tendons and the presence of hidden damage.
- Ultrasound of the joint: an excellent method for the initial examination, which allows you to assess the condition of the synovial bags and the presence of effusion in dynamics.
Modern methods of shoulder treatment in Odessa
We use a comprehensive approach to avoid large incisions:
- Subacromial injections and PRP therapy: introduction of medical cocktails or own plasma directly into the inflammation zone under ultrasound control. This relieves swelling and stimulates the healing of microtears.
- Shock wave therapy (SCT): indispensable for “stone shoulder” (calcifying tendinitis), when calcium salts accumulate in the tendons.
- Shoulder arthroscopy: minimally invasive surgery through two or three punctures of 5 mm each. We can “sew up” a torn ligament or remove bone spurs that interfere with movement.
- Kinesiotherapy: a special set of exercises to restore the correct rhythm of the scapula and shoulder.
FAQ: What patients want to know about the shoulder
— Will massage help with shoulder pain? Massage can relieve tension in the neck muscles, but it will not cure a torn tendon or impingement. Moreover, with acute inflammation, massage can increase pain.
– Why does the shoulder hurt at night? In the lying position, the intra-articular pressure changes, and the muscles relax, which leads to a stronger compression of the inflamed structures. This is a classic sign of rotator cuff problems.
— How long does rehabilitation take after shoulder surgery?Depends on the difficulty. After simple manipulations, the hand is free after 2 weeks. After suturing the ligaments, you need to wear a special splint for about 4-6 weeks, and full recovery of sports activity takes up to 4-6 months.
YOUR STEP TO HEALTH
Pain in the shoulder is not something to endure. Modern orthopedics allows you to solve the problem with the help of one injection or a minimally invasive procedure, if you apply in time
Forget about restrictions! Sign up for a consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist in Odessa and get back the opportunity to live a full, active life.