Shoulder pain is an incredibly common issue, with studies showing that up to 70% of people will experience shoulder discomfort at some point in their lives. Whether it’s the result of an injury, repetitive strain, or a medical condition, shoulder pain can significantly impact daily life and mobility.
At Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic in Marrero, LA, we treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, including frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries. Our team provides personalized care and advanced treatments to help you regain strength and comfort. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today and start your journey to relief.
Keep reading to learn about the causes of shoulder pain and the most common effective treatments available.
How Doctors Diagnose Frozen Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
Clinical Evaluations
Diagnosing shoulder pain starts with a thorough clinical evaluation. This includes reviewing the patient’s medical history to identify any past injuries, surgeries, or conditions that could contribute to shoulder problems. A physical exam follows, where the doctor assesses range of motion, strength, shoulder weakness, and areas of tenderness or stiffness. Shoulder pain occurs in various forms, from a dull ache deep in the joint to severe pain following a traumatic injury or degenerative tear.
Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging tests play a crucial role in accurately diagnosing shoulder issues. X-rays help detect problems with the upper arm bone, shoulder blade socket, or ball and socket joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasounds offer detailed views of soft tissues, such as rotator cuff tendons and other soft tissues, to identify tendon tears, partial tears, or scar tissue. These tools can pinpoint the cause of chronic shoulder pain or arm weakness, whether it’s a torn rotator cuff, shoulder impingement, or a frozen shoulder.
Differentiating Conditions
Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff problems may share symptoms like chronic shoulder stiffness or referred pain, but they require different treatments. Frozen shoulder often involves progressive stiffness and limited movement in the affected shoulder, while a rotator cuff problem typically presents as shoulder weakness, pain, and arm weakness, and difficulty lifting an outstretched arm. Doctors rely on clinical evaluations and imaging tests to distinguish between these conditions and develop an effective treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Physical Therapy
- Pendulum Stretch: Gently swing your affected shoulder and arm in small circles while leaning forward with your unaffected arm resting on a table or chair.
- Cross-Body Stretch: Use your healthy arm to gently pull the affected shoulder and arm across your chest until you feel a stretch.
- Towel Stretch: Hold a towel horizontally behind your back with both hands, then gently move it upward with your unaffected arm to stretch the injured side.
Physical therapy exercises are a cornerstone of treating shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, or chronic shoulder issues. Consistency is key. Regular sessions restore mobility, strengthen shoulder muscles, reduce joint pain, and prevent further stiffness. Skipping sessions can delay recovery and worsen conditions like shoulder dislocation or tendon tears.
Medications and Injections for Joint Pain Relief
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Effective for reducing shoulder joint pain and inflammation from conditions like rotator cuff problems or minor injuries.
- Topical Anti-inflammatories: Applied to the affected shoulder area to target pain without significant side effects.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Used for severe pain, they quickly reduce inflammation in the shoulder socket or around the rotator cuff tendons to improve mobility.
Surgical Options for Severe Cases
Overview of Arthroscopic Surgery for Rotator Cuff Tears
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair:A minimally invasive surgery using an arthroscope to repair torn rotator cuff tendons. This procedure involves small incisions, reducing recovery time and scarring while addressing chronic shoulder injuries or degenerative tears.
Capsular Release Procedure for Frozen Shoulder Treatment
- Capsular Release: In this surgical procedure, thickened scar tissue around the shoulder socket is removed or released to restore joint mobility and reduce pain. It is often combined with gentle manipulation of the shoulder blade and ball and socket joint under anesthesia to improve range of motion.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure for patients with severe rotator cuff damage or advanced shoulder arthritis. Unlike traditional shoulder replacement, it swaps the positions of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff.
This approach improves mobility and reduces pain, making it a common option for those with chronic shoulder pain and dysfunction unresponsive to other treatments.
Recovery Expectations and Rehabilitation
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Initial recovery often requires wearing a sling for immobilization for a few weeks (typically 4-6 weeks).
- Full Recovery Timeline: Recovery can take several months and depends on the procedure and individual healing rates. Working closely with a physical therapist is essential for optimal outcomes.
Prevention Tips to Reduce Future Shoulder Injuries
- Use Proper Techniques: When lifting an arm bone or a heavy object, bend your knees and hold the object close to your body to prevent strain on the shoulder blade and joint. Avoid twisting motions to reduce risk factors for shoulder injuries.
- Strengthening Exercises: Incorporate shoulder exercises like external rotations and resistance band work to support the rotator cuff and shoulder blade. These exercises can help prevent shoulder dislocation or degenerative tears.
- Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture minimizes strain on the ball and socket joint and surrounding muscles. Avoid slouching during prolonged activities like working at a desk to prevent neck pain and shoulder problems.
By following these tips, you can relieve pain and maintain shoulder health, reducing the likelihood of conditions that may lead to shoulder replacement surgery or reverse shoulder replacement. If arm pain persists or the affected arm shows limited mobility, consult a specialist to explore options like tendon transfer or shoulder replacement for effective treatment.
Start Your Path to Stronger, Healthier Shoulders
Implementing proper techniques and strengthening exercises can make a significant difference in protecting your shoulder health and preventing injuries. Remember that Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic is here to support you with expert care and solutions tailored to your needs.
If you're experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment with Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic today. Our experienced team specializes in shoulder evaluation, treatment, and recovery to get you back to feeling your best. Contact us now to start your journey to pain-free living!
