Introduction
Shoulder pain is a prevalent complaint that can have various causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. In this blog, we will explore 15 common causes of shoulder pain and highlight effective treatment options, with a focus on PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and prolotherapy. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, we follow a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates image-guided stem cells, PRP, and prolotherapy, along with structured physical therapy regimes for managing these conditions. We will also address key questions regarding symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common causes of shoulder pain
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or pinched between the acromion and the humerus. Symptoms include pain, especially when lifting the arm. Treatment often includes rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, PRP and prolotherapy can provide effective relief.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Symptoms include persistent pain and weakness. Treatment may include physical therapy, PRP injections, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. Symptoms include pain when lifting the arm and difficulty sleeping on the affected side. Treatment often involves rest, physical therapy, and PRP injections.
Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis
Frozen shoulder results in restricted movement and persistent pain. Treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, hydodilatation and manipulation,and sometimes corticosteroid injections, hydodilatation and manipulation .PRP and prolotherapy can also be effective in relieving symptoms.
Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
Arthritis in the acromioclavicular joint can lead to shoulder pain. Treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, PRP injections.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Symptoms include persistent pain and weakness. Treatment may include physical therapy, PRP injections, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Treatment options may include Stem cell, Viscosupplementation ,PRP injections and, in advanced cases, surgical interventions.
Labral Tear (SLAP Lesion)
A labral tear, especially a superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP lesion), can cause pain and instability. Treatment may involve PRP and prolotherapy injections and, in some cases, surgical repair.
Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa in the subacromial space. Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and PRP injections for refractory cases.
Subdeltoid Bursitis
Inflammation of the subdeltoid bursa can result in pain and discomfort. Treatment may involve rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and PRP injections if conservative measures fail.
Bicipital Tendonitis
Tendonitis of the biceps tendon can cause anterior shoulder pain. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and PRP injections for pain relief and tendon healing.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that can affect the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve medication, physical therapy, and PRP injections for symptom management.
Trauma
Shoulder injuries due to accidents or falls can cause pain and dislocations. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include immobilization, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
Trigger Points
Muscle trigger points can refer pain to the shoulder. Treatment involves manual therapy, myofascial release, and PRP injections to alleviate pain and improve muscle function.
Instability
Shoulder instability can result from ligament or labral injuries. Treatment may include physical therapy and, in some cases, surgical stabilization. PRP and prolotherapy can aid in the healing process.
Calcific Supraspinatus Tendonitis
This condition involves calcium deposits in the supraspinatus tendon, leading to pain. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and PRP injections for reducing pain and promoting tissue healing.
How Is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays,Diagnostic Ultrasound or MRI, and, in some cases, diagnostic injections. MRI is often the gold standard Investigation of choice in diagnosing Rotator cuff pathology and Instability. A comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Shoulder Pain Treatments and Home Remedies
Treatment options depend on the specific condition but may include rest, ,physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in many cases, PRP and prolotherapy to promote healing and alleviate pain. Home remedies may include heat or cold therapy and gentle stretching exercises.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain can result from a variety of causes, and effective treatment options are available. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, a multidisciplinary approach, including PRP, prolotherapy, and physical therapy, is employed to provide relief for various shoulder conditions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help individuals regain their shoulder function and quality of life.
References
- Maund, Joseph R., et al. Ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injections are more effective than landmark-guided injections: a randomised double-blind study. British Journal of Sports Medicine 48.16 (2014): 1202-1207.
- Porat, Susan, and James May. Ultrasound-guided injection of the subacromial bursa with a local anesthetic and corticosteroid in patients with possible rotator cuff impingement: does it work?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 24.6 (2015): e131-e132.
- Ludvig, Ina Lian, and Jan E. Hoff. Shoulder injuries from shot firing: a new risk group. BMJ case reports 2012 (2012): bcr2012006742.
- Baddeley, Rachel, and Philip Davidson. Ultrasound-guided subacromial bursa injections are effective for persistent rotator cuff disease Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 8.1 (2013): 18.
- Gilmore, Brice, et al. Ultrasound-guided injections of the acromioclavicular joint: a posterior approach. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine 33.12 (2014): 2127-2130.
- Malavolta, Eduardo Angeli, et al. Platelet-rich plasma in rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 44.9 (2016): 2259-2266.
- Rees, Jonathan D., Roger Maffulli,
