Don't take it lightly: treating shoulder pain
How do we investigate shoulder pain?
In all cases, the tests consist of a physical and ultrasound examination, which can be used to detect the condition of the shoulders. This is complemented by an X-ray or MR examination. Most of the time, we start using conservative treatment, which consists of complex physical therapy, physical therapy and medication. If these do not lead to success, steroid injections and surgical solutions are also possible.
Acute and chronic shoulder pain
Acute shoulder pain can develop during minor or major falls. In case of a bigger fall, the rotator cuff, which is responsible for the movement of the shoulder joint, may also tear. In such a case, surgical treatment comes into question, the so-called arthroscopic rotator cuff suture, which is performed as part of a one-day surgery at the Duna Medical Center. After the intervention, it is necessary to wear the arm brace for 3 weeks, and physical exercises for 3-6 months. Office work can be done after about 4 weeks and driving is allowed after 5-6 weeks. If the patient presents late and/or is older, it is possible to implant a subacromial balloon also arthroscopically.
If severe pain develops after a minor fall, we may suspect calcific tendinitis. It can be caused by poor use (mainly poor posture from sitting) or overuse. As a first step, we recommend anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy to our patients. If the symptoms persist, we give a steroid injection, and if that doesn't help either, we perform a so-called "subacromial decompression". This practically means releasing the tendons, removing the inflamed tissues and removing the deposits from the bones above the tendons, which you can see in the video below. The operation is performed within the framework of one-day care, after which an arm support must be worn for 2-3 weeks and physical therapy is recommended for 2-3 months. You can do office work after about 3 weeks and drive after 4-5 weeks.
Shoulder pain in case of clavicle end joint (AC joint) wear and inflammation
Chronic shoulder pain can also occur in the case of joint wear and inflammation of the clavicle end, which can usually develop from a previous banal injury in the joint between the end of the clavicle and the scapula, which can lead to joint wear and inflammation over the years. Initially, steroid injection and physiotherapy are the recommended treatment, but a surgical solution is also possible in the framework of the so-called "AC resection", a short video of which can be seen below. This surgery is also performed as a one-day surgery at the Duna Medical Center. After the intervention, an arm brace must be worn for 1-2 weeks, followed by 2-3 months of physical therapy. We can return to office work after about 2 weeks and to driving after 4-5 weeks.
Movement restriction of the shoulder joint
The onset of the acute form of movement restriction is usually associated with a tear in the rotator cuff.
In chronic cases, especially in middle-aged women, the so-called frozen shoulder disease, which is accompanied by the appearance of gradual pain without any history, and then results in restricted movement. Initially, it can be treated with physical therapy, which, if it does not bring improvement even after half a year, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is the so-called arthroscopic release, after which physical exercise begins immediately. Office work can be done after about 2 weeks and you can return to driving after 4-5 weeks.
If you would like to have your shoulder pain checked, book an appointment.